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Salvation Army says donations from its Red Shield Appeal ...
By Michael Madigan
Salvation Army says donations from its Red Shield Appeal not to fund compensation for victims of abuse CHILD sexual abuse and a tough federal Budget will both have an impact on this weekend’s annual Red Shield Appeal. The Salvos have promised to prove that donations will not be used to fund compensation for victims of abuse. Red Shield Appeal Queensland director Major Neil Dickson says the tax-deductible donations he hopes will total $1.3 million by Sunday night will all be subject to an audit the public can see if necessary. The Salvos have been concerned by reports that money raised in their 50th Red Shield Appeal will go to victims of abuse identified in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses into Child Sexual Abuse. Commissioner James Condon, who heads the Salvos’ eastern territory including Queensland and New South Wales, has expressed shock and deep regret about revelations of sexual abuse, including allegations that children were abused at the Alkira Home at Indooroopilly. But Major Dixon says media reports that Red Shield donations might find their way into compensation payouts are wrong. The Salvation Army keeps strict records of Red Shield donations, which are tax deductible and subject to an annual audit, he says. “We would never compromise our frontline services by doing something inappropriate with the donations,’’ Major Dickson says. The Salvos also fear the federal Budget may affect vulnerable Australians. Salvation Army national secretary, Major Kelvin Alley, says while it is a “noble goal’’ for the Government to get the nation’s finances in the black, it is also important not to increase the burden on those finding it tough to provide the basics for themselves and their families.
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