{"id":3999,"date":"2023-05-11T22:38:51","date_gmt":"2023-05-11T12:38:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/?p=3999"},"modified":"2023-05-11T22:38:52","modified_gmt":"2023-05-11T12:38:52","slug":"too-many-australians-are-now-struggling-to-make-ends-meet","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/onthecoastpublications.com.au\/onthecoastover55\/too-many-australians-are-now-struggling-to-make-ends-meet\/","title":{"rendered":"Too many Australians are now struggling to make ends meet"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Major Mark Everitt, Salvation Army Area Officer, Central Coast & Hunter, Kylie and Lawrie McKinna.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please support the Red Shield Appeal today, so nobody struggles alone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Salvation Army is urging the Central Coast community to get involved in this year\u2019s Red Shield Appeal, with funds raised locally staying local to support community services and programs in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the Coast, the Salvos are aiming to raise $50,000 at the Red Shield Appeal Launch held this morning (Thursday 4th May) at Mingara Recreation Club to support community members doing it tough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with Guest Speaker for the Launch Appeal, MasterChef 2009 Winner, Julie Goodwin, over 200 local business leaders were in attendance to support the local work of the Salvos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are a number of ways community members and volunteers can get involved \u2013 community collection points, door knocking, online fundraising, or organising a collection at your workplace, school or sporting event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIf you\u2019ve ever thought about volunteering, now is the time. Grab your friends, your workmates, or make it a family outing or a group activity for your club \u2013 just get involved. The community needs your support more than ever,\u201d says Major Mark Everitt, Salvation Army Area Officer, Central Coast & Hunter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While all Australians are feeling the pinch of the cost of living pressures, it\u2019s more extreme for some. The Salvos are seeing more and more people living below the breadline \u2013 skipping meals, going without prescribed medications, struggling to keep the lights on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe don\u2019t want anybody on the Central Coast to struggle alone \u2013 times are tough, but we can get through it together, with your support\u201d says Major Mark Everitt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Red Shield Appeal weekend is set for May 20 and 21, however there are a number of volunteer opportunities available throughout May \u2013 any time you can give is appreciated. Get in touch with your local Salvos by visiting salvationarmy.org.au.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe Central Coast is known for being a generous and supportive region \u2013 and we know this year will be no different. The Central Coast will do their bit to help their neighbours and their community.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now in its 59th year, the annual Red Shield Appeal funds vital community programs, including financial assistance, homelessness, family and domestic violence, and drug and alcohol services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

*Each year, through The Salvation Army\u2019s nationwide network of services, the Salvos provide:<\/p>\n\n\n\n