Salvation Army Promises That Red Shield Appeal Won’t Fund Sexual Abuse Compensation Payments
NEWS.com.au
THE Salvation Army has issued a startling decree ahead of its annual Red Shield Appeal, promising donors that none of their pledged money will go towards compensation for victims of sexual abuse. Moving to distance its fundraising activities from the claims of pedophilia and physical abuse that have surfaced at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse, Salvation Army commissioner James Condon said all donated funds will be directed to the charity’s traditional welfare arms. In a statement that suggests the charity is deeply concerned Australians will refrain en masse from giving to the Red Shield Appeal given the Royal Commission’s revelations about its handling of child sexual abuse claims, Mr Condon urged the public to consider the Salvation Army’s strong policies that protect children.
“I want to assure you today that as the Commissioner of the Salvation Army I have zero tolerance for child sexual abuse within the Salvation Army,” Mr Condon said at the official launch of the appeal at Sydney’s Westin Hotel today. “I want to assure you that we have strong policies in place to protect children and all vulnerable people that come into our care. “I want to also ensure you today that no donated funds are used for compassionate grants to victims of abuse. “I hope that you along with many, many Australians will continue to be our supporters and that you will focus with me on the way forward for the Salvation Army.”
In its hearings in Sydney last month, the Royal Commission heard a series of systemic sexual and physical assaults that had taken place in four Salvation Army children’s homes from the end of World War II to 1983. It also aired claims of child sexual abuse on young girls by two individual Salvation Army officers, John Lane and Colin Haggar, and allegations of the charity’s mishandling of the disciplinary process. Abuse survivor Allan Anderson told the Commission he and his brother were physically and emotionally abused under the care of the Salvation Army at its Bexley Boys’ Home from 1966 to 1971.
He urged the public to reconsider its support for the organisation. “Let me suggest to the public as a whole: think twice before you put your hand in your pocket and give when the Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal comes around, for you should not give so generously.” The Salvation Army is hoping this year’s Red Shield Appeal will raise $80 million nationally over the fundraising weekend held on May 24 and 25. Oscar winner Cate Blanchett and business chief David Gonski attended the lunch to help launch the appeal. “All finds raised go directly to the Salvos significant social services projects, providing care for one million Australians who are doing it tough in their lives,” Mr Gonski said.
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