COVID-19 has put a stop to traditional methods of fundraising at a time when charities and support organisations are needed most.

Salvation Gawler Corps Officer Major Darren Cox is calling on Gawler to show its support to the Red Shield Appeal, as it has so generously in the past and despite a recent move to online collection.

“We are hoping our community comes together in a new way and helps us to leave no one in need,” he said.

“Last year we raised $24,500 and that money then gets put into local projects.

“So if you are giving in Gawler it stays in Gawler and that will be the same this year.”

The Red Shield Appeal is the Salvos’ signature fundraising drive to support people in need.

Where thousands of volunteers would ordinarily collect donations at shopping centres or front doors, this year the COVID-19 pandemic has sent them online asking people to donate through the inaugural ‘Digital Doorknock’.

Donations can also be made in person at the Salvation Army’s Riverside location, as well as at specially set-up ‘tap and go’ donation stations around Gawler, such as at Cibo Gawler.

Major Cox said a lot of the money raised will be spent on ensuring locals have the basic necessities.

“We have really ramped up our food relief because with COVID-19 coming through we thought we would be having lots of sick people, but actually there are now a lot of people struggling because of the economic backlash of COVID-19,” he said.

“For anyone that is struggling we also have our financial services, counsellors, we have Employment Plus…

“So the money will be focussed on making sure the essentials are there for people as we go through this very difficult season post-Covid, and into the future.”

Online donations can be made by visiting (digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/riverside-gawler-salvos).