· Official launch of the 2014 Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
· Victorian Coalition Government donates $100,000 to the appeal
· Victorian Coalition Government building a better Victoria by supporting
the most vulnerable people in our society

Minister for Housing Wendy Lovell today launched the 2014 Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal and announced a $100,000 donation from the Victorian Coalition Government.

“The Coalition Government is proud to support community organisations such as the Salvation Army, that are addressing poverty and disadvantage in Victoria,” Ms Lovell said.

“The Red Shield Appeal is an important fundraiser for the Salvos, helping to raise money each year for its network of social and community services.”

In 2013, a total of $42.5 million in donations was received through the Red Shield Appeal – $23.2 million of which was raised in Victoria, with revenue allocated to Salvation Army programs including:

· employment, education and training;
· children and young people at risk;
· addictions and substance abuse;
· aged care and disability support;
· individual and family support; and
· homelessness and family violence.

Ms Lovell thanked the Salvation Army and its volunteers for their service, dedication and commitment to helping Victoria’s most vulnerable people.

“The Salvos rely on the hard work of volunteers and generous donations from the community to provide the best support and care to Victorians in need. I urge all Victorians to dig deep and give to this year’s Red Shield Appeal,” Ms Lovell said

In October last year, the Coalition Government provided $1 million in funding over two years to support the continuation of the Salvation Army’s Project 614 – a comprehensive street outreach and support program that identifies and supports rough sleepers and other Victorians at high risk of homelessness.

The Coalition Government is committed to breaking the cycle of homelessness, investing $220 million per annum in community service organisations, such as the Salvation Army, to support people that are homeless or at risk of homelessness.