The Red Shield Appeal is The Salvation Army’s yearly fundraising initiative, with the Doorknock, a main component, occurring 28 – 29 May 2011.
The fundraising appeal aims to meet the budget needs for many community service programs run by The Salvation Army. A massive effort is made by volunteers and members of The Salvation Army to doorknock in metropolitan and regional areas.
In South Australia a unique Doorknock launch event occurs each year, and in 2011 a donut decorating competition will be held on Wednesday 25 May in Rundle Mall. The challenge is anticipated to be bigger and better this year with the involvement of local media personalities, sporting stars, celebrities and iconic South Australians. They will be placed in teams, aiming to successfully create the best donut while completing an obstacle course in a given time frame.
Major Andrew Craib says, “The concept of the donut dates back to World War 1, whereby The Salvation Army ‘lassies’ served up 9,000 donuts daily to the soldiers. Having minimal cooking supplies, but wanting to provide soldiers with home cooking, The Salvation Army came up with idea of cooking donuts. Soldiers lined up in the rain and subsequently word went around about the delicious donuts and The Salvation Army ‘lassies’, who were dubbed the ‘donut girls’.”
“The donut has became a great symbol of The Salvation Army for not only easing the hardships of the frontline fighting men, but also for more recently their services to the homeless, the disadvantaged, and people in need.”
“The donut decorating competition is a great way to draw attention to this worthy appeal. It enables local South Australian identities to have fun and give up some of their time for a great cause.”
“We must also recognise the great work achieved by the volunteers and staff at The Salvation Army. They do a fantastic job, especially when it comes to the Red Shield Appeal, and they need as much support as they can get.”
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