Held over the weekend of May 25-26, the appeal has set a target of raising $8million.

The money raised from the appeal will go towards The Salvation Army's vast network of services that help Australians in need.

Over the past 12 months, the Salvos have supported more than 38,000 people experiencing homelessness, 14,000 people overcoming addiction, provided over 50,000 financial counselling sessions, given care to 5000 people experiencing family violence and assisted more than 150,000 people with emergency relief.

"Hardship does not discriminate. More Australians from all walks of life are turning to The Salvation Army for help and we need the public's support now to ensure we can continue to help those doing it tough," The Salvation Army's Captain Rod Parsons said.

"Through the support given to us, we are able to give back to our community.

"We cannot do this alone.

"We all have the opportunity to be beacons of hope for others and by partnering with the Salvos for just a few hours over the Red Shield Appeal weekend, you can give hope where it's needed most."

To volunteer for the appeal call 13 72 58 or register online.

To donate to the appeal call 13 72 58, go to the website, go in person to any Westpac branch or Salvos store or post your cheque to PO Box 9888, Sydney.