Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Townsville launch and business aims to raise $200,000 in 2025
This year, the guest speaker at the Townsville Red Shield Appeal launch will share his story of resilience and hope. Here’s how you can help the cause.
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The annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Townsville launch and business breakfast next week aims to give hope to those in need.
Townsville Red Shield Appeal chairman Peter Wheeler said this year, Beaconsfield Mine disaster survivor Todd Russell would be the guest speak and talk about his experience and about hope.
“That aligns really well with what the Salvos is all about and that’s ‘be the hope’,” Mr Wheeler said.
He said the business breakfast at the Ville on May 23 was the major Townsville fund raising event for the Salvos.
“It’s always been considered the launch of the Red Shield Appeal for the Townsville region,” Mr Wheeler said.
“This is where we target the business community and really look for their support so the Salvos can continue to do the great work that they do in our community that comes at a significant cost.
“Last year we raised an amazing $175,000 from the breakfast, and this year we want to really try and crack $200,000 so that’s our goal.”
Townsville Salvation Army Appeal Ambassador Steve Pricey said it was an honour to support the Salvos who gave up their lives to help others.
“I’ve had the honour of meeting the Salvation Army. I’ve had the honour of sitting with those that they help, talking to them privately, having a laugh and to find out what things can happen to you in life, and know that whatever happens, there’s a Salvation Army there to help,” Pricey said.
He said the Townsville community always dug deep to help those in need.
“This city is the most generous one could imagine, over all my mango seasons, to see the support of the Salvos and many other organisations,” Pricey said.
“I’s really heartening to sort of to say and makes you proud of being a North Queenslander when you know that the businesses, they’ll be there on that morning at the Ville to donate their money.
“They want to be a part of this, because they know that every cent goes back into this local community to make a difference – I hope we do make the $200,000 mark.”
Townsville Salvation Army team leader Major Peter Sutcliffe said the Red Shield Appeal was in its 61st year and was the major fundraiser allowing the community to support the work done by the Salvos.
“Many of the people and our supporters say, ‘we couldn’t do the work you do. We couldn’t sit with someone in a gutter and listen to them. We couldn’t help the homeless or we can’t give hope like you do to people. But what we can do is give you help financially so you can continue to do the work you do’,” Mr Sutcliffe said.
“So for us, the Red Shield Appeal is the most important event that anyone can do and give hope to the hopeless in our community.
“Many people struggle in life, and many, they’ve been put down throughout life, time and time again and they lose that hope.
“But we want to give people that hand up, not a handout.”
For tickets for the Red Shield Appeal 25 Launch and Business Breakfast at the Ville on Friday May 23 contact Peter Wheeler on 47222444 or Townsville Riverway Salvation Army 44174600.
The Salvation Army will also be fundraising at the Townsville Shopping Centre and Fairfield Shopping Centre from May 19-26 and at Castletown from May 25-31.
There is a digital doorknock at digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/ or members of the community can contact the Riverway Salvation Army to doorknock their street.
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Originally published as Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal Townsville launch and business aims to raise $200,000 in 2025
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