The annual Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal is on again next weekend, May 24-25, and the local branch is looking for extra volunteers to assist in the weekend door-knock.

Volunteers are needed for right across the shire and into Narooma, but particularly in the Bega township.

Those wishing to help can nominate their preferred area to canvass for donations.

Lieutenant Karen Harrison of the Salvation Army Bega Corps said she was grateful for anyone able to help.

“We know there is such a need in this area,” she said.

“The donations from the Red Shield Appeal purely fund the social work programs done in the area by the Salvos – it doesn’t go overseas.”

Lieutenant Harrison said that social work includes support for rehabilitation centres, women’s shelters and refuges and the Red Shield summer camp in Collaroy.

“Kids from the various Salvation Army areas are nominated to go to the summer camp where they have a fantastic week visiting the beach and zoo – some of them have never seen the beach before.

“It’s fully funded by the Red Shield Appeal.”

As well as the weekend’s door-knocking, Red Shield Appeal collection points will be set up outside Woolworths and Coles in Bega, and Woolworths and in the main street of Merimbula, all week starting Monday.

The Salvos stores in both towns will also be open on May 24 – Bega’s from 10am, Merimbula from 9am – with donation tins and with proceeds from every item sold on the day going towards the Red Shield Appeal.

Anyone wishing to volunteer as a door-knocker can register online at salvos.org.au, call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58), or just show up at 9am on either Saturday or Sunday at the Salvation Army Bega office, 170 Auckland St.