The Bathurst branch of the Salvation Army has continued to support vulnerable members of the community throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
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The Salvos have always been a beacon of hope in Australia and the local community, helping people with its range of services.
Bathurst Lieutenant Kate Cathcart said the Salvos didn't know what to expect when COVID-19 emerged, but the charity has continued to fill the same role in providing support to those who need it.
The local branch has found that some of its usual clientele have been doing better than normal thanks to the level of government financial support, while new people have needed to reach out to the Salvos.
"In a sense, the people we are assisting have been a little bit different to who we may have assisted before," she said.
"We're having a lot of people who haven't previously required or needed services before that are coming to see us because of the changes in situations."
The big concern for the Salvos at the moment is helping people experiencing homelessness, as social distancing requirements have affected other services those members of the community have been able to rely on.
"Normally the Uniting Safe Shelter, which is absolutely awesome, would run, but they're unable to open," Lt Cathcart said.
"We are working with them to try to help however we can to support that element of our community in the winter months. That is going to be a big challenge."
With the challenges ahead, it is more important than ever to support the Salvos in its valuable work.
People can do that by donating to the Red Shield Appeal.
The annual event has gone totally digital in 2020 to ensure there is no risk to volunteers or the community, and will raise money for the charity in the same way the traditional door-knock always has.
Lt Cathcart said money will be directed into the local community.
"A vast majority of it will stay in the local community to work towards our community services project, so that can be from basic things such as food hampers and winter supplies for people who are experiencing homelessness, as well as other emergency situations," she said.
To donate, click here.
