IT has been a tough year for the country, with drought, bushfires and now coronavirus, but people still found it in their hearts to support the Salvation Army.
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A digital door-knock was carried out for the Red Shield Appeal in May and June, replacing the traditional ways of fundraising for safety reasons.
Nation-wide, the appeal raised over $3.6 million for the Salvation Army, and $9000 of that was collected for the Bathurst branch.
Bathurst has had a tough time raising money in recent years, so Captain Kate Cathcart was pleased to see so much donated.
"We did well in Bathurst, we got more this year in Bathurst than we have for a while," she said.
"We ended up getting about $9000, but one of them was a very large donation, so in terms of the smaller bits, it was definitely less than what we normally do, but there was really two quite generous donations.
"It was surprising for Bathurst in that we haven't had that previously. I think the online campaign potentially reached people that may not have seen us in some of the more traditional methods."
Capt Cathcart expects that online donations will be part of the Red Shield Appeal in future, even when volunteers are able to door-knock again safely.
Bathurst had a goal of $10,000 for this year's appeal and, while they did fall short, the amount they raised will be of "significant" help in the community.
"It means we will be able to provide direct support to specifically what's needed," Capt Cathcart said.
"How we operate at the moment does have to change under COVID, but it gives us a new opportunity to meet some very specific needs, rather than trying to come up with blanket approaches.
"For instance, if someone comes in and, due to ongoing hardship and difficulties, they have a very specific urgent need for their household or for themselves, we'll be able to with those funds, for as long as they remain, be able to meet that specifically."
Those doing it tough are encouraged to speak to the Salvos to see if they can provide assistance or refer them to a relevant agency.
Capt Cathcart thanked all those who donated to the appeal, both this year and in previous years.
