Doorknock appeal raises $17,000
THE Salvation Army's Red Shield doorknock appeal has been generously supported in Coffs Harbour with $17,000 raised.
The collection is down on the $24,000 raised last year, but given the tough financial climate and the fact people still have a month to donate, the charity is thankful for the support.
"Yes the collection is down on last year and we didn't have as many collectors and drivers turn out on Sunday, but in saying that times are tough financially and we appreciate that," Coffs Harbour Salvation Army Major Steve Metcher said.
"We are thankful for the community support, but we encourage anyone who might not have been home to use the envelopes that were left and post us a few bob as the campaign runs until the end of June."
Across Australia the doorknock appeal raised almost $6.6 million, down 6.2% on funds raised last year.
In NSW alone doorknocks managed to generate almost $3 million.
"We know many Australians are doing it tough and household budgets have been impacted by increasing costs of living," Major Bruce Harmer said.
"The alarming data released by The Salvation Army last week indicated that of 1700 of our clients who were surveyed, 94% had no savings in reserve, 52% had gone without meals and 29% indicated they couldn't afford a decent meal at least once a week," he said.
