THERE are nine days left until The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal ends, however Portland Salvo’s are far from their fundraising target and need the community’s help.

The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal in Portland has so far raised $7000 since the launch on May 16.

Portland Salvation Army Captain Peter Stamp said th year’s target is $15,000, which all goes back into the local community.

“There's been a huge increase in people needing assistance over the last 12 months and everybody's feeling the increased cost of living,” Mr Stamp said.

“We're having people coming in more frequently and lots of people come in that haven't utilised our service before.

“We offer food support, material aid, our thrift shop supports people as well with furniture and clothing.

“We run our activities such as our regional support vehicle, which goes down to the courthouse on Tuesdays.

“In the next few months, we’ll be commencing our drop-in community centre. So those funds will help support people needing a safe space.”

Mr Stamp said demand had been up and down over the past few years but was high at the moment.

“Once all the Covid relief payments stopped, we had this massive increase of people coming in, because they couldn't afford anything, and then the numbers stayed steady after that. But, in the last 12 months, they've grown again,” Mr Stamp said.

“I don’t think people have recovered since they lost those Covid relief payments, and especially because everything's just kept going up in price.

“I've never heard so many people say they've had to give up smoking and drinking, which is a great thing, but when they're giving up those things and still can't afford to eat, that's really scary.

“We’re just trying to do our best to support people and provide those services.

“Because we’ve seen so many people coming through, it's just costing us more, and we don't actually receive government funding for our services.”

Salvo’s donation tubs are in Portland stores, as well as cards with QR codes linking to the Salvo’s Website, where donations can also be made.

Donations can be made at the Portland Salvo’s building on Henty Street and card, or cash is accepted.

Mr Stamp said all gifts over $2 can be tax deductible.

“If somebody wants to make an end of financial year donation and claim it on their tax, then they can do that and we can provide a tax-deductible receipt,” he said.