Volunteer to Doorknock
The iconic Doorknocking activity remains a core part of The Salvation Army's annual fundraising Red Shield Appeal, bringing together communities to support those in need.
Every May, volunteers go door-to-door, collecting donations to fund vital social services for vulnerable individuals and families. The appeal has become a symbol of hope, with thousands of people participating to create lasting change.
Why your team should get involved
The Salvation Army's Doorknock presents a unique opportunity for workplaces to make a significant impact while promoting team building and community engagement.
Your involvement ensures that more lives are positively impacted. Workplace teams can sign up to take part in the Doorknock fundraising activity, with flexible options.
Here's how your participation will help:
- Making a Real Difference: The funds raised during the appeal go directly to supporting The Salvation Army’s vital and life changing programs, including emergency relief, homelessness services, addiction recovery programs, and family support services.
- Team Building and Engagement: Participating in the Doorknock activity provides an excellent chance for teams to work together in a meaningful and impactful way. It strengthens bonds, fosters a sense of unity, and promotes positive company culture.
- Community Engagement: Workplaces that take part in the Doorknocking activity gain recognition as active members in their communities, boosting their brand awareness and confidence to internal teams and external networks.
How it works
What?
The doorknocking activity involves volunteers going door-to-door, collecting donations on behalf of the Salvos to fund vital social services for vulnerable individuals and families doing it tough.
How?
Individuals or Teams are allocated specific streets (down to house numbers) to doorknock.
With comprehensive support from The Salvation Army, including fundraising kits and guidance, teams can easily engage with their local communities and raise essential funds.
When?
Volunteers can choose to doorknock any time that suits them between 9am-5pm – 7 days of the week, from Monday 19 May 2025- Sunday 1 June 2025.
Most people choose to spend 2 hours doorknocking, but you can do more or less depending on your availability.
Where?
Only residential houses can be door knocked (no businesses or apartment blocks). Nominate suburbs and streets most convenient to you, and our friendly Salvos representative can confirm these for you.
Who?
Any team member who, with the support of their employer, is able and willing to commit 2-4 hours of their time to go door-to-door in neighborhood streets to collect donations, can participate.
Steps
FAQs – Red Shield Appeal Doorknocking
Yes! Please call our Doorknock Hotline on 1800 885 332.
Yes! Teams can participate from different locations. Each member can register to doorknock in their local area, and your collective efforts will contribute to your team's fundraising total.
Yes, you can doorknock together. We recommend splitting the street between you to cover more houses efficiently while staying within close proximity for safety and support.
Absolutely! Many volunteers choose to doorknock on their own. You will be provided with a fundraising kit, and your local Salvos representative will help allocate an area for you.
Yes! Team leaders can sign up and coordinate a group of volunteers. You’ll receive support and materials from The Salvation Army to help organise and inspire your team.
No, you can choose to doorknock in any suburb or area convenient to you. Our team will help allocate streets and provide guidance.
Yes! Doorknocking with a friend or family member can make the experience more enjoyable and impactful. Just ensure both of you register and follow the provided guidelines.
Most volunteers spend around two hours doorknocking, but you can choose the amount of time that suits you best within the campaign period (19 May – 1 June 2025).
If no one answers, leave a “Sorry We Missed You” card with your QR Code so they can donate online later.
Yes! You’re welcome to doorknock as many times as you like during the campaign period.
You will receive a fundraising kit, including a collection bag and digital donation options. Supporters can donate via cash or through the QR code on your official materials.
A simple introduction works best:
"Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I'm volunteering for The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal. We're raising funds to support Australians doing it tough. Would you like to donate today?"
If someone wants to learn more, share how their donation helps provide food, shelter, and crisis support.
No, doorknocking is only permitted at residential homes. Business and shop collections require different permissions. We’ll allocate nearby residential streets for you — either close to work or where your team lives. It’s simple, flexible, and fully supported by the Salvos team.
No worries! Simply show them your personal QR Code (on your ID badge or tear-out cards) so they can donate online instantly. This will link online donations back to your individual collection. Last year, doorknockers who used their QR Code raised $100 more on average! Need help? Call 1800 885 332.
The Doorknock team will call you on the phone to complete your registration including allocating you a street/s to doorknock in. We will now email and SMS you with updates, key dates and information, as well as support and advice! You can opt out at any time.
Your fundraising kit will include instructions on how to securely return cash donations to The Salvation Army. We have online remittance options as well as the ability to deposit cash at NAB branches across Australia. If you have any questions, call our Doorknock Hotline on 1800 885 332 for assistance.