Wyndham residents have dug deep to help neighbours who are struggling, with the local Salvation Army raising a record sum during its annual Red Shield Appeal.
Captain Lance Jeffrey revealed that from May 19 to 31, the Salvos raised $62,841 in Wyndham.
“It’s unbelievable how generous people are,” Captain Jeffrey said. “We’re pretty rapt because this is the most we’ve ever collected here.”
He said the money would not necessarily stay in the Wyndham community but would be used to support social programs throughout Melbourne.
“While the money won’t be used just in Wyndham, the reality is there are many people in our community who we might refer to the programs that this money will help fund,” he said.
Captain Jeffrey said about 90 people every day were seeking assistance from the Salvation Army in Werribee, and it was encouraging to see people so willing to donate.
“I think there is a natural empathy in this community,” he said.
“Those people who know what it’s like to be doing it tough seem to be more willing to donate and help out others.
“We were hoping to raise about $52,000 and we thought that would be a real challenge.
“We just really want to thank everyone who donated, and especially the volunteers who donated their time so generously and worked to help raise this money.”
The final figure raised by the Salvation Army during the appeal is likely to rise above the current amount, with donations raised through telemarketing yet to be taken into account.
