The Wellington couple are the territorial leaders of New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga.
Comm Robert Donaldson, who was born and raised in South Dunedin, said the launch was held in Dunedin to connect with its donors and sponsors.
''We have had a lot of support from this city for a very long time.''
The Salvation Army's first meeting was held outdoors in the Exchange in 1883, he said. Friday's launch included a corporate breakfast for about 130 people at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
He was in Invercargill yesterday and planned to visit Invercargill Prison and attend a church service.
Commissioner Janine Donaldson said the appeal week started yesterday and the street collection would be on Monday.
Every cent of every dollar given provided help to people in need, she said''All the frontline work is where the money goes.''
Captain Andrew Moffatt, of the Dunedin Corps, said there was a high level of need for food assistance in Dunedin.''
What we are seeing is where Mum and Dad are both working and they get a bill out of left field and there is a need for one-off food parcels.''
Donations could be made by texting RED to 4411, calling 0800 53 00 00 and online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz/RedShield2015
What they provide
Service provided by Salvation Army Dunedin City between April 2014 and March 2015
• 2658 food parcels distributed,
• 118 families attended counselling services.
• 390 social work sessions provided.
• 1547 addiction services counselling sessions - up 51% on the previous 12 months.
• 3591 nights of accommodation bed provided.
SOURCE : SALVATION ARMY
