Team volunteering

The Red Shield Appeal began in 1965 and is promoted under our most recognisable symbol — the red shield. Each year, The Salvation Army appeals to the Australian community for donations to ensure we can give hope through our crisis and community service programs.

The Red Shield Appeal is run over the months of April, May and June each year with the 2026 Red Shield Doorknock taking place on 30–31 May.

Christmas is one of the busiest periods for The Salvation Army and we welcome everyone to get involved!

From sorting generous donations to packing Christmas hampers, your efforts through Christmas Cheer help us respond to the needs of those who are having a hard time and feeling lonely, anxious or stressed over Christmas.  

Half day, full day and evening times available

Get hands-on with the local community by cooking and serving meals, engaging with the community, sorting donations and supporting with maintenance tasks.

Group size:  4-12

Cost: participation fee is applicable and varies depending on group size and activity

Candle Bag packing — November

Perfect for large or small groups looking for a great team building activity.

The main event — December

Suited to both individuals and small groups.

Since the inaugural event in 1983, we have been the proud charity partner of Sydney’s largest outdoor carol service. Together, we raise more than $3.5 million through the sale of candles and candle bags to help support Australians in need.

Surry Hills: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am — 2pm

Your team could help with:

• BBQ for residents
• Working bee — basic to advanced maintenance tasks
• Assembling ‘Transitioning home packs’
• Christmas Cheer (hamper distribution)

Group size: 6–12

Participation fee: $1000 donation to support Foster House

Days and times vary

365 Crown Street, Surry Hills

Your team could help with:

• Cosmetic renovations
• General maintenance
• Painting
• Gardening
• Morning tea chats
• Daily mentoring

Group size: 6-12

Participation fee: $1000 donation to support the work of Oasis Youth.

Tuesday to Thursday, from 9.30am–4.30pm

Through the sale of pre-loved goods, Salvos Stores raise vital funds for The Salvation Army's social programs.

We would value your team’s support with:

• Sorting donated goods
• Pricing and tagging goods
• Displaying goods in-store
• Creating store 'displays'
• Store maintenance 

Group size: 6-20

Wednesday, 9am–12pm 

Community members who are doing it tough can access food, toiletries and various household items all for a low cost.

Breakfast is also free at the centre's café. 

Your team can support us with:

• Setting up pantry tables
• Guiding community members
• Friendly conversations
• Café help
• Packing up market day

Group size: 5

Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am–12pm or 1–3.30pm

Through the sale of pre-loved goods, Salvos Stores raise vital funds for our social programs.

Activities:

• Sorting donated goods
• Pricing and tagging goods
• Displaying goods in-store
• Creating store 'displays'
• Store maintenance

Group size: Up to 8

Weekdays, 9am–3pm

29 Riverview Road, Riverview

A social enterprise wholesale nursery and market garden to support people in need in the local area.

Activities:

• Potting
• Weeding
• Preparing plants for sale
• Propagation
• Other tasks as needed

Group size: Up to 20

Participation fee: $70 per person
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Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10am–2pm

The Salvation Army relies on donations from individuals, businesses, community groups and the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal to deliver our Christmas assistance. Many of these donations are stored in our warehouse and require sorting. 

Volunteers can help: 

• Sort food, toys and clothing 
• Organise donations by age, gender and type  

Group size: 8-20 

Participation fee: $70 per person, unless current Corporate Partner

422 Morphett Street, Adelaide | Thursday, 9am–1pm

Shop G 6 Dutton Road, Mt Barker | Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am–4.30pm 

Through the sale of pre-loved goods, Salvos Stores raise vital funds for The Salvation Army's social programs. We would value your team’s support with: 

• Merchandising — organising, tagging and pricing goods, creating attractive store displays 
• Sorting donated goods 
• Store maintenance 

Group size: 4-6

69 Bourke Street, Melbourne

Monday to Friday, 8.15am–2pm

The Magpie Nest Café is a warm and welcoming café providing free breakfast, lunch, dinner and hot drinks as well as support to people from all walks of life, especially those living on the margins of society.

Activities may involve: 

• Serving meals 
• Serving tea and coffee 
• Mingling with community members 
• Cleaning up after the service 

Group size:  8-12

Participation fee: $100 per person

81 Victoria Crescent, Abbotsford

Tuesday to Thursday, 9.30am–4.30pm

Through the sale of pre-loved goods, Salvos Stores raise vital funds for The Salvation Army's social programs. We would value your team’s support with:

• Merchandising — organising, tagging and pricing goods, creating attractive store displays
• Sorting donated goods
• Store maintenance

Group size: Up to 8

12B Chapel Street, St Kilda

Friday, 9.30am–2.30 pm

We are a safe place for people to connect, to nurture their soul, and find God’s love and acceptance. We would appreciate your support with: 

• Serving meals  
• Serving tea and coffee  
• Mingling with community members  
• Cleaning up  
• Gardening 
• Painting  

Group size: 10

Participation fee: $1000 donation 

42 Goodall Street, Gosnells

Friday, 9:30am–2pm

Our garden brings together people from all walks of life, fostering connections and promoting healthy living within the community. It particularly supports individuals in recovery through The Salvation Army’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation program.

You can help nurture the garden by:

• Weeding
• Mulching
• Planting
• Pruning
• Watering

Group size: Up to 30

Participation fee: $70 per person, unless current Corporate Partner

Street Outreach evening service 

The Street Outreach evening service is offered by Perth Doorways and provides evening meals for those experiencing homelessness. 

Community lunch 

The community lunch is a gathering for locals where they can walk into a safe and welcoming space for a delicious and nutritious meal. Here, people who feel alienated by their communities can find a place of dignity and connection. 

Maintenance days

Salvation Army sites see a lot of activity as we deliver our social work to the community, as such many of our centres can really benefit from a ‘refresh’. Corporate groups can be given a tour of Salvation Army corps (churches), programs, sites or centres and be introduced to the work being done there. Your group can then roll up their sleeves and help us maintain our sites so they can remain a safe and welcoming space for all.