The Salvation Army is calling for volunteers for the National Red Shield Appeal doorknock on the weekend of May 22-23.

CQU has agreed to help spread the word about the appeal.

The Salvos need to reach a National Doorknock goal of $7.5 million if they are to maintain services in the year ahead.

Last year, The Army helped over 1 million Australians, providing: 7 170,000 meals every week.

7 500 blankets every week.

7 3,000 beds for the homeless every week.

7 1,100 addicted assisted every week.

7 18,000 food vouchers every week.

7 Refuge for 700 victims of abuse every week.

7 Counselling for 3,500 people every week.

On a local level in Rockhampton, The Salvation Army provides a whole range of services. These services include employment services through Employment Plus and Personal Support Program for the long term unemployed, financial counselling with Moneycare, Prison Chaplaincy, preloved clothing and furniture from its two Family Stores, Aged Care facilities at Bethesda Aged Care Hostel and welfare services providing food vouchers/hampers, clothing, furniture and other assistance.

Last year these services cost The Salvation Army more to provide than the $118,800 they are expecting to raise in the region during their annual Red Shield Appeal.

Divisional Public Relations Secretary Captain Peter Sutcliffe said, “Our aim this year is to mobilise a record 1100 collectors. We hope to knock on as many doors as possible in the Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast, Gracemere and Mt Morgan area. It only involves about two to three hours and we are encouraging people to form teams of four with a driver. People wishing to volunteer can ring the Salvos’ on 4999 1999 during business hours.