Since the early 1900s The Salvation Army in Nambour has been tirelessly serving the most vulnerable members of the community.

“We are committed to providing programs that are fully inclusive, and we are committed to the safety and wellbeing of people of all ages, particularly children,” explained Nambour Salvation Army Captain, David Donaldson.

“The Salvation Army assists those in need in a whole range of ways and it is wonderful that there are so many people in the community who assist our mission in practical ways, irrespective of religious beliefs, politics or any other labels that are so often divisive,” he said.

The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is about to launch and the ‘Salvos’ are calling on assistance from the community to help them continue their work.

“In the past The Salvation Army has engaged in a massive doorknock appeal and now we are running a digital doorknock,” Captain Donaldson said.

“The feedback I have received from my years of service all around the world is that people are happy to give to The Salvation Army because they know that every cent and item donated is used to impact the people we serve.

“Our movement and mission are supported by a legion of volunteers and the Nambour Salvation Army is blessed to have such inspiring volunteers who give so much to our mission within the communities we serve.”

“With cash donations, we can assist homeless and vulnerable people with tents and sleeping bags. We recently had a young mother who was at risk of being put out onto the street with her child, and we arranged a hotel room for her until more appropriate arrangements could be made,” he said.

“Domestic and family violence and homelessness are  huge problems and both are unfortunately on the rise. We do our best to deal with it all. For people struggling to make ends meet, we can assist with things such as batteries and fuel for their cars so that they can continue to go to work and live with dignity. And we are seeing a rise in people needing basic foodstuffs, toiletries and clean clothing in good condition. We also help people struggling with debt to seek assistance to restructure their debt so that it is more manageable.”

Captain Donaldson said that he has been overwhelmed by the generosity of Nambour businesses and cited a particular example where they had been presented with 40 push bikes and helmets (from a single donor), and Michael Curry of Onya Bike had donated his time and expertise to service all of the bikes to make sure they were safe.

“Ours is an incredibly caring and compassionate community,” he said.

On the 13th of May, The Salvation Army will be presenting a concert entitled ‘When the Army Comes to Town’, featuring world renowned pianist, Errol Duck-Chong.

“The concert will be a celebration of The Salvation Army’s history through music,” Captain Donaldson said. “We are so thrilled to have Errol Duck-Chong performing for us. He is a world-class musician and it will be wonderful to hear his music.

“This may also be an opportunity for those unfamiliar with the work of The Salvation Army, to come along, enjoy some beautiful music and learn a little more about our movement,” said Captain Donaldson.

“Our ethos is that we operate ‘hand to man and heart to God’. We aim to seek out and serve the least, the last and the lost, and sometimes all this entails is connecting with and truly listening to people. I often say that our job is not to judge, but to ‘listen people back into existence’. And it is an incredible privilege to serve in this way.”

‘When The Army Comes to Town’ will be performed at The Salvation Army Church at 4-6 Maud Street Nambour on Saturday the 13th of May at 7pm. To enquire email ncr@salvationarmy.org.au