Red Shield Appeal Going Digital

The Coronavirus pandemic is radically changing the behaviour of individuals all over the world, blurring the role of philanthropy within the context of governments supporting economies and their citizens.

However, philanthropy can play a vital role in transcending what we might expect from government and in particular, it can bring people together and raise the spirits of those with a common focus of care. Non-profit organisations, in particular, fill voids that are not always sufficiently addressed by the public or private sector, which is where the annual Red Sheild Appeal comes in.

This year, the Salvation Army will conduct a “Digital Doorknock”, in place of their traditional face-to-face annual door knock appeal. While we currently face a global crisis, it is in local communities where people are hardest hit. Additionally, the pandemic disproportionately impacts those in our community who were already vulnerable, including families in Bendigo.

Since 1993, Girton students have proudly worn their school uniforms on a Sunday morning and participated in the Red Shield Appeal. Around 250 students and 50 parents each year take to the streets of Bendigo, Castlemaine and beyond to serve others. In recent times, the school has raised around $10,000 each year for those in need and in 2015 Girton raised more money than any other School in Victoria during the annual appeal, which includes the Junior School students placing red piggy-banks in their classrooms for the month of May, for their loose change from lunch orders.

As one of Girton’s longest-standing Community Service initiatives, we again would like to support the Red Shield Appeal and give students another opportunity to look outwards and consider those less fortunate than themselves. Money that is raised will help to provide services in the Bendigo region, such as the provision of drug and alcohol abuse programs, support for domestic violence and family breakdown assistance.

As always, this is an entirely voluntary activity, and students should speak with their carers about their involvement. If you feel you are in a position to support the Digital Doorknock and to encourage others to do so, please go to the following link:

https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/girtongrammar

Please be aware that the suggested donation amounts on the page are set by the Salvation Army, not the school, and any donation amount will be gratefully received by those in need.