The Salvation Army appeals for small change to make a big difference during its September Big Collection

The Salvation Army appeals for small change to make a big difference during its September Big Collection

SALVATION Army members, friends and volunteers will be out raising funds this September hoping for its most successful Big Collection to date.

The annual appeal raises money to support work in communities across the UK and Republic of Ireland, with every penny donated going directly to people that need it most. Last year a staggering £1.6 million in cash was donated by generous supporters and, with no admin costs, one hundred percent of this money helped ensure that outreach work could continue to benefit communities The Salvation Army is present in.

Salvation Army members will adopt a number of fundraising methods during this period, including entertaining shoppers on high streets and outside supermarkets with bands, and carrying out door to door visits during September.

Donations will help Salvation Army services that support people who are homeless, victims of modern slavery, families in poverty, individuals struggling with unemployment, people battling addiction and vulnerable older people who are lonely.

All collectors will be carrying a permit, which can be shown on request, and will only ask for cash donations in Salvation Army donation envelopes or a sealed Salvation Army collection tin. Donations can also be made to The Big Collection by visiting www.salvationarmy.org.uk/BigCollection or by texting BCOL18 £3 (or any amount) to 70070.

The Salvation Army’s social work can take many forms. Here is an example of the way the public’s generosity has helped in the last year:

“Life was really bad. I was taking drugs nearly every day of my life”: Michael’s Story

Michael found himself unsure where his life was heading, he fell into deep depression and turned to drugs and alcohol. Following an overdose and sleeping on his dad’s sofa, friends noticed Michael going downhill and encouraged him to contact The Salvation Army’s Centenary House in Belfast. Having experienced homelessness previously, Michael had spent time living at Centenary House but was asked to leave due to bad behaviour.

He said: “I rang up every day to ask if I could come back to Centenary House for a second chance.”

Michael now lives in one of 12 resettlement flats in the centre and has been clean of class A drugs for over a year. Taking full advantage of his second chance, Michael volunteers as a handyman at the centre, helping with all aspects of maintenance. He said: “If I wasn’t doing something I would be out misbehaving probably, but I like helping people, it makes me feel good”. Michael has also found healing in physical exercise and has benefited from the on-site gym and trained fitness instructor who works at the centre.

Michael has been able to work through his issues with his support worker and his outlook on the future has changed significantly. Michael is hopeful that he will be able to live independently in the near future. “My support worker is the best,” Michael said. “I feel like crying he’s helped me so much. I wish he just knew how much he means to me.”

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