But their front-line services are always under pressure. It goes without saying that with the amount of meals and beds they supply, it takes a lot of financial support to keep it going.

That is why they are hoping to raise $8 million nationally when the Red Shield Appeal is held at the end of this month.

Locally, Salvation Army captain Robert Mills said local volunteers would receive a Big Mac voucher and an appreciation certificate to thank them for their efforts. 

It has called on volunteers, who can spare a few hours on Sunday, May 28, to assist with collecting donations, which go towards carrying on a rich tradition of the Salvos helping fellow Australians.

The Salvation Army started in Australia in approximately 1880. It had began in London, and came to Australia via immigrants who had been converted to their cause.

When war came, the Salvos, which included many first-generation Christians, were also on the battlefield supplying nurses, ambulances and chaplains.

The Salvos were there again through subsequent wars through the 20th century, which played a large role in the place they hold in Australian society.

The Red Shield Appeal began in 1965, as a way to raise money to support the services that were assisting so many people in the community.

Right now, our country has never been richer. Across the board our standard of living continues to improve.

But these gains and opportunities have not been distributed fairly in our community, nor across the country.

With millions of Australians living on the margins, the work of the Salvos is vital.

“We are simply asking people to help those Aussies in desperate need by lending a hand and supporting the Red Shield Appeal Doorknock,” a spokesperson for the Salvos said.

“In just a few hours you can give hope where it’s needed most by collecting vital funds for our services.

“Get some friends, team-mates or works colleagues together and lend a hand.”

With the slogan, Give hope where it’s needed most, the Red Shield Appeal deserves our support.