State Government contributes to Red Shield Neighbourhood Appeal

19/5/00
The State Government today handed a cheque to the Salvation Army on behalf of the people of Western Australia at the launch of their Red Shield Neighbourhood Appeal.
Health Minister John Day said the contribution enabled the community of WA to provide support for people who need assistance, including those with drug and alcohol problems.
"Each year the Salvation Army conducts the Red Shield Appeal, a major fund-raising event that contributes significantly to Salvation Army community welfare activities," Mr Day said.
"The Salvation Army have a sound reputation both as a service to the dispossessed, the homeless, the impoverished and needy, and as a fund-raising organisation of unsurpassed success."
The launch of the Red Shield Appeal was held at the Salvation Army's 'Bridge House', a non-medicated detoxification and drug rehabilitation facility.
Mr Day said that Bridge House played an important role in addressing drug issues in the community and had operated for many years as a valuable residential sobering up, detoxification and assessment service for alcohol and drug affected individuals.
"This worthwhile service to the community complements the broad activities of the State Government in responding to drug use issues," he said.
"Rather than leave drug response completely with specialist drug agencies such as the Salvation Army, the Government - through strategies such as the Health Department's 'Interaction' and the overall Government strategy 'Together against drugs' - emphasises a whole-of-community and whole-of-Government approach to the issue.
"The 'Together against drugs' strategy has achieved an unprecedented level of activity and co-operation across the many services of Government, non-Government and the broader community and is an initiative which complements the Safer WA strategy.
"It is now up to the generosity of WA's business people, sporting representatives and the community to continue the great work of the Salvation Army through the Red Shield Appeal."
Media contact: Carole Cowling 9213 6600