Without the help of business and residents, the Salvation Army would cease to function.
According to one of Orange’s new Salvation Army officers, there is an increasing call for the Salvo’s help as the price of living continues to climb.
Although much has been made of the impact of increasing interest rates on mortgage holders, Captain Karen Saunders says often those feeling the pressure are too proud to ask for help.
However, there were signs of rental stress starting to bite.
“We see a lot of people from rental homes,” Captain Saunders said.
“We have some who have been evicted because they can’t pay the rent - it’s not a major problem but we have started to see it.”
Later this month the Salvo’s will be conducting its annual Red Shield appeal to raise money to support its many social services, however, without people to knock on doors not everyone will have the chance to give to the appeal.
“Parts of Orange can go uncollected because we don’t have enough volunteers to canvas the whole town,” Captain Saunders said.
“Anyone who wants to volunteer should just turn up on the day or call us for more information.”
In particular demand are people prepared to volunteer both themselves and their cars for the appeal with drivers in particular demand.
Next Friday the Salvation Army will officially launch the 2008 Red Shield Appeal at a business lunch at Turners Vineyard.
Expected to raise between $15,000 and $20,000, the lunch is the most important business lunch on the Orange calender, Westpac business banking manager Tony Rodd said.
A major sponsor of the dinner, Westpac has donated a cricket bat signed by retired Australian wicket keeper Adam Gilchrist to form the centrepiece of a fundraising auction.
Former Canterbury Bulldog Chris Mortimer will be the special guest at the lunch, designed to raise money but also awareness of the campaign across the Central West.
“What this really does, aside from raising money, is to launch the Red Shield Appeal for the whole of the Central West,” Mr Todd said.
Those wishing to volunteer their time to the appeal should contact the Salvation Army on 6362 1870.
The Red Shield Appeal will be officially launched next Friday, April 16 from 12.30pm at Turner’s Vineyard ahead of the doorknock campaign on May 24 and 25.