April 29, 2013
The Salvation Army is launching this year’s Red Shield Appeal in Kingaroy on Thursday … and they’re calling in famous Murgon footballer Steve Renouf to help kick off this year’s fundraising effort.
Renouf’s rugby league career spanned three decades from the 1980s to the 2000s and he’s known as one of the sport’s greatest centres. He set numerous records for the Brisbane Broncos and is considered one of the greatest footballers to have played for them.
The Salvos are holding a Business Breakfast at Kingaroy RSL’s Tobruk Room at 6:30am on May 2 with Renouf as guest speaker. And some tickets are still available if you act very fast!
The Red Shield Appeal itself will run on May 25-26.
It collects funds to support the church’s social welfare program in the South Burnett – in particular, the Rural Chaplain who visits local farms to offer support for farmers in distress. And after this year’s floods the demand for the Rural Chaplain’s services are higher than ever.
The Business Breakfast will launch awareness about the Appeal among the South Burnett’s business community, who are traditionally strong supporters of the campaign.
“Last year our target was $12,000. But thanks to our local business community we raised $13,751.35,” Major Allan Kerr said.
“This year’s target is $14,000, though, so we’re gearing up for an even bigger effort.”
Major Kerr – who was recently promoted from Captain along with his wife Carolyn in recognition of their 25 years of service to the church – said the Business Breakfast was just one of several activities planned for this year’s Appeal.
“On Saturday, May 11, we’ll be holding a Doorknock Recruitment Drive at Kingaroy Shoppingworld between 9:00am and 1:00pm so that anyone who’d like to be a door-knocker or driver for this year’s Appeal can sign up.
“But if anyone wants to take part and can’t make it to Shoppingworld that day, we’d still be very grateful to have them aboard and they can simply phone our office to put their name down and get all the details.”
Red Shield door-knockers and drivers usually put in a few hours on Appeal day working a particular territory. Afterwards they’re treated to a free sausage sizzle and free McDonalds vouchers to thank them for their efforts.
In previous years the Appeal and post-collection sausage sizzle has been run outside Kingaroy’s Westpac Bank branch. But this year it will be running from the Salvation Army’s new church and offices in Alford Street.
“We moved in here about six months ago,” Major Kerr said.
“Our new building has better facilities, so we thought it would be nicer for everyone if we ran the Red Shield Appeal from here.”
- Tickets to the Steve Renouf Business Breakfast will be available until noon tomorrow, Tuesday, April 30. They can be booked by phoning Major Kerr or the Salvos office on (07) 4162-5246 or 0407-220-975.
