The Red Shield Appeal is back this month to raise funds for The Salvation Army’s social services.

The initiative supports the charity’s greatest areas of need including homelessness, family violence, emergency relief, addiction and disaster response. 

In a typical week The Salvation Army provides 100,000 meals, 2000 beds, distributes 8000 grocery vouchers and provides refuge for 500 people fleeing abuse. 

“They are some big numbers but when you can recognise every number is a person and a story, it is really powerful,” Katherine Salvation Army Captain Julie Howard said. 

“We have a drop-in centre and provide breakfast and a safe place where people can come in and sit.

“In the last 18 months we have seen 700 people. 

“A lot of people come in to relax and feel safe, it is also good for people who are lonely and want some company,” she said. 

Ms Howard is appealing to the community to pitch in from May 27 to June 4 to help out a great cause. 

“We will sit at the shopping centre collecting, and if people have an hour or two to spare and they are happy to sit and help out, that would be great,” she said. 

All of the money raised will go towards much needed services in the Katherine area. 

“Our services on the frontline are under increasing pressure and donation to the Red Shield Appeal allow us to continue to meet the changing needs of the community,” Salvation Army spokeswoman Sarah Roberts said.

“For many people hard times can simply be one pay cheque away, with many families in the local Katherine area doing it tough and relying on The Salvation Army for support.

“Just a few hours of your time can make a real difference for people experiencing hardship and gives hope where it is needed the most,” she said.