In times of need
It’s often said that The Salvation Army has a ministry of “presence” – of being there in times of need. When thousands of school-leavers descend on the Gold Coast every year for Schoolies Week, The Salvation Army is there, as part of the Red Frogs program.
Salvos on hand at Schoolies in 2014
Salvos joined hundreds of Christian volunteers to work with the Red Frogs Australia Chaplaincy Network at the annual Schoolies celebrations on the Gold Coast.
A party event that attracts thousands of school leavers at the end of November each year, Salvos from Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Parramatta went to the Gold Coast with a different mission in mind.
Together with Red Frogs, an organisation well-known for handing out Allen’s red frogs confectionery, Salvo leaders took on hotel chaplaincy roles to help create a fun, but “safe partying” atmosphere.
“Really, they [school leavers] are going down there and a lot of them are making silly decisions and probably decisions they will end up regretting. So we want to be down there and supporting them through that,” said Lincoln Proellocks, Carindale Youth and Young Adults Coordinator.
Lincoln has been volunteering for Red Frogs for the past seven years and this year his role involved managing all the Red Frogs teams at one of the largest hotels on the Gold Coast. While challenging at times, Lincoln said it’s a worthwhile cause.
“You're always walking into stuff that you’re not prepared for … but that’s when the strength of God kicks in.
“I love being part of Red Frogs. It’s just a great example of the church working together … all denominations working together for a cause just to show God’s love to people.”
A number of other Salvos visited other Schoolies locations, including Fiji and Bali.
Salvos in Rockhampton held a “Red Shield Rave” at Capricorn Region Corps for school students from Years 7 to 11. Led by Red Frogs, school students were invited to have their own schoolies at the Salvos, minus any dangerous substances. There were games, food and giveaways on offer.
“In Rockhampton there’s not a lot for teenagers to do, so they often find themselves bored. This provides them with something to do. And they loved it,” said Daniel Walters, Capricorn Region Assistant Leader.
This article first appeared on The Salvation Army's my.salvos website