Salvos Fundraising Could Take a Hit after Damaging Royal Commission Hearings

ABC News
May 16, 2014

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-05-16/salvos-fundraising-could-take-a-hit-after-damaging-royal-commis/5456700

The Salvation Army says it expects recent negative publicity surrounding the organisation at the Royal Commission into child sex abuse to have an effect on its fundraising efforts.

The Salvos are today officially launching the 2014 Red Shield Appeal in Newcastle, which aims to raise $2 million for Hunter region services.

The Royal Commission recently heard evidence that the organisation promoted a confessed child sex offender, Major Colin Haggar, who went on to work in senior roles in the Newcastle region.

Hunter appeal chairwoman Maree Gleeson says she is hoping it does not overshadow the vital community work carried out by the Salvos.

"It will have an impact on people's perception so we're hoping that the launch, over 400 business and community members coming together to support the Salvation army, is saying those services are really important," she said.

"Last year, there were 55,000 people who sought help from the Salvation Army."

Professor Gleeson says the appeal will be aiming to remind the community of the vital services the Salvos provide.

"Last year they gave out 10,000 crisis meals, 10,000 emergency food and relief packages," she said.

"One of the main programs we're going to focus on is Money Care, a program developed here in the Hunter.

"It's providing financial counselling for people who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves really struggling to manage with debt."