Oamaru Salvation Army major Jocelyn Smith said this year’s 2026 Red Shield Appeal theme, It Takes an Army, recognised the collective effort behind The Salvation Army’s frontline services.
She said they relied on an army of volunteers who gave up their time, an army of collectors on the streets and an army of everyday New Zealanders willing to give what they could when they saw a red shield.
The Red Shield Appeal nationwide helps fund essential community-based services, including food support and kai plans, budgeting and financial mentoring, hardship grants, addiction services, supported accommodation and ongoing support for people facing financial stress.
Maj Smith said while the Salvation Army’s focus was mostly on food support and advocacy through its positive lifestyle programme, it also helped with welfare assistance and emergency clothing and items through its Family Store.
Workers continued to see the foodbank demand rise year-on-year and month-on-month.
"Last year we did 800 food parcels, and that was significantly up from last year where it was about 500," she said.
Rising food insecurity, financial hardship and inequality locally reflected what the Salvation Army continued to report through its research and analysis, which painted a sobering picture of life for many New Zealanders struggling to make ends meet, she said.
"People are in need... being a listening ear and having a cup of coffee with someone was also a part of the role," Maj Smith said.
She said there would be about 220 hours’ worth of collecting at six sites required.
"We’re really pleased that service groups and schools have already jumped on board to help us out.
"Waitaki Girls’ and Waitaki Boys’ High Schools, St Kevin’s College and the Lions Clubs have already confirmed and we’ll be approaching some other groups such as the Scouts to help us out as they helped us out last year," she said.
Other volunteers included Salvation Army staff and congregation, she said.
The Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is a nationwide appeal and used to be a door-knocking mission, until it became site-based in high foot-traffic areas such as supermarkets and The Warehouse.
Maj Smith said one of their "star volunteers" was Glenda Moses who had been collecting and supporting the Red Shield Appeal in Oamaru for over 40 years.
Mrs Moses said she "loves" that the money raised went back into the work of the local community.
"There are many generous supporters in our community that give for the same reason. They see the work The Salvation Army does to help people, and they want to support that," she said.
Mrs Moses said if anyone was considering helping to collect for The Red Shield Appeal they should "go for it".
"It’s great being there with the public. People are so nice and happy to chat"
She said volunteering and talking with the public was "really rewarding".
The Salvation Army’s nationwide Red Shield Appeal runs from May 4-10.
• To volunteer contact the Oamaru Salvation Army office on (03) 434-8413 or sign the site rosters available in the foyer at 255 Thames St.
