Red Shield Appeal at Linsell Lodge
The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal is an annual fundraising initiative which seeks to promote goodwill and aid Australians most in need of support. It furthers The Salvation Army’s mission of providing crucial assistance through vital community programs and support services to the thousands of vulnerable Australians. This year, Linsell Lodge Aged Care Centre (“Linsell Lodge”), is also doing its part to help their local Arndale Corps to help raise funds for the Red Shield Appeal.
Centre Manager, Kate Parker, notes that this goodwill initiative by the Centre has been an ongoing effort throughout the years, as organised by the Centre’s Chaplain Peter and Lifestyle Coordinator Lee. “They coordinate this together every year,” she says. “They have an ongoing relationship with our local Arndale Corps, so they usually get in contact with them and arrange for some of the red buckets, and then Lee will manage most of the remainder of it, just as part of her normal Lifestyle planning. The event is quite dear to us.”
This year, the exciting day will include guest visitors and even a ‘staff versus residents’ putt-putt golf day. “We have an afternoon tea and I know that our Chef is going to make little Red Shields on top for the cupcakes and they look quite impressive,” Kate explains. “The Corps Officers of the Arndale Corps are coming to have afternoon tea with us, and they’ll participate in most of the activities.” Of course, in the spirit of the Red Shield Appeal, residents and staff will dress in red to acknowledge the Red Shield.
Kate also affirms that residents and staff alike get a kick out of the day of celebration. When considering what they enjoy most about the day, Kate answered, “probably a little bit of everything – wearing something a bit different and being out of uniform is nice. Usually, we do enough afternoon tea so that everyone gets a go, not just the residents. Then we also razz each other up about who’s going to win, so that’s fun too!” She even noted that the putt-putt competition will no doubt spark some friendly competition. “Last time the staff won, so I’m hoping that we do win again,” she states.
Beyond the fun and frivolity of the day, Kate highlights the significance of the Red Shield Appeal as it connects both residents and staff to the wider Salvation Army mission and values. “We have people who are lifelong members, lifelong Salvationists, and that’s important to us,” she explains. Kate also reiterates that this is a tangible way to stay connected to the wider organisation. “The main thing is that this isn’t just a one off, this is something we do every year and our connection to The Salvation Army and other expressions is something that we keep a focus on all the time. I think that’s very, very important that we do that as The Salvation Army Aged Care.”
