Red Shield Appeal
Every 17 seconds, The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone in need. And this help is made possible through the generosity of people like you, who support the Red Shield Appeal.
The compounded impact of the financial and social events of the past few years means homelessness is fast becoming the reality for an increasing number of individuals and families, including more employed Australians.
The Salvation Army has walked alongside Australians for over 140 years — providing shelter, safety and support to those in need. Over the last financial year, we provided over 1.1 million nights of accommodation and over $24.3 million in financial assistance via cash, gift cards, vouchers and more to those in need.
But our work is far from over.
This Red Shield Appeal, we ask you to support us, and be the hope people desperately need to move beyond hardship.
The hope that Manny desperately needed.
After fleeing a violent home, Manny spent years living rough — sleeping in tents, squatting in empty properties and even on the streets. But when he connected with the Salvos, he finally found safety, stability, and someone in his corner.
Read Manny's story
Safety for a young family in crisis
Hit by a series of devastating setbacks, Nick and Rachel found themselves sleeping in their car. And then they found out they were expecting a baby. With nowhere to go, they turned to the Salvos, and found safety and support.
Read Nick and Rachel’s story
A mum’s strength in uncertain times
When Naomi left with her children, she had no home, no stability—only the hope of finding safety. Then she found the Salvos.
Read Naomi’s story
The Salvos need your help
This Red Shield Appeal we need your help more than ever! There are many ways to get involved- whether it be knocking on doors, collecting in your local shopping centre or starting a digital fundraising page, you can play a vital part.
Learn moreRed Shield Appeal: Frequently Asked Questions
The Red Shield Appeal runs through the months of April, May and June each year. In 2025, the national Doorknock will take place on 24 and 25 May.
You can donate to the Red Shield Appeal online, or in person. You can also sign up to fundraise on our behalf, or volunteer to help us raise funds.
In 2024, our dedicated volunteer fundraisers, people like you, helped us raise almost $5 million in funds for much-needed programs and services that vulnerable Aussies seek every day.
Red Shield Appeal funds help The Salvation Army deliver vital community programs and social services, such as:
- Emergency financial assistance
- Refuge for women and children in crisis
- Shelter and support for those facing homelessness
- Crisis, transitional and long-term housing
- Youth drop-in centres and support programs
- Emergency and disaster relief (immediate support, all the way to long-term recovery)
- Drug and alcohol addiction recovery and rehabilitation support
- Employment training programs
- Chaplaincy
In FY2023-2024, The Salvation Army*:
- Assisted more than 250,500 people and provided more than 1.76 million sessions of care to people in need.
- Provided $24.3 million in financial assistance to people in need.
- Assisted more than 40,000 people at risk of or facing homelessness
- Emergency services (SAES) assisted nearly 31,600 people and provided over $6.2 million in assistance to households impacted by disaster such as flood, bushfires and cyclone.
- Moneycare financial services assisted more than 12,000 people with financial counselling.
- Youth services assisted more than 5000 young people and provided more than 83,000 sessions of care to youth in need
- Assisted more than 27,300 jobseekers look for employment
- Doorways emergency relief and community services assisted more than 140,000 people and provided more than 360,000 sessions of care to those in need of food and material aid.
*Source: The Salvation Army, Annual report FY2023-2024
You can be the hope people need.
Right now, hardship, poverty, and isolation are pushing more Australians into crisis. Families are struggling to afford essentials—food, housing, and medical care—while many face impossible choices just to survive. You can be the hope people like Naomi need by supporting the Red Shield Appeal.
Donate now