THE Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal will kick off next week with volunteer tin shakers collecting money from Monday, June 13 at Hamilton’s Coles supermarket, with 100 per cent of the money raised in Hamilton going back to our community.

Too many people have been going without meals and essential medical treatment, with new research findings by The Salvation Army revealing that almost half of Salvo’s clients are going without meals, more than half cannot afford essential medical or dental treatment and 78 per cent are experiencing housing stress.

Every 17 seconds, The Salvation Army in Australia helps someone at one of its services or programs and this is only due to the public’s generous support to the Red Shield Appeal.

Volunteers have already been out and about in Hamilton contributing to the national doorknock appeal.

The Salvation Army’s Hamilton branch community development worker and ministry assistant, Mark Thomas, said that it was financially really hard for people right now.

“Higher rent is a big one - as well rising house repayments,” he said.

“That combined with higher food prices and the rising cost of fuel, is all contributing to a really difficult time for some families.

“In previous years only 80 per cent of funds raised were returned to the community.

“But this year, there has been a change with 100 per cent of the funds raised in Hamilton, to be utilised in Hamilton.

“It’s because the need is so great.”

Mr Thomas said the Red Shield Appeal volunteers will be onsite at Coles for two weeks, and possibly longer, depending on volunteer availability.