The Salvation Army has raised around $70 million in its annual 'Door-Knock Appeal' to help fund its community initiatives, which helps over 1 million people.
The Christian welfare group made the announcement on Tuesday that it had received $69,668,706 in donation for its 2006-07 appeal, which is an eight percent increase from last year's result.
The Appeal director, Major Neil Dickson, gave thanks to all Australians who made a contribution and said the money would now be used to help the less fortunate in society.
"We wish to thank the Australian public for its outstanding support and generosity," said Major Dickson. "The monies raised will help ensure that the Salvos' wide range of services assisting those less fortunate in the community can continue in the year ahead."
In addition, he also thanked the volunteers for their effort, saying that without their assistance the result would not be possible.
"In addition to its donors, The Salvation Army also thanks its great team of volunteers for their support; without them this result would not have been possible," he said.
On its website, the Christian ministry stated the money would now be used to help over 1.5 million people in some manner.
Some of the assistance, it has provided are:
- 3,500 beds for the homeless every week
- 180,000 meals for the hungry every week
- 600 blankets distributed every week
- 20,000 food vouchers every week
- 1,200 people addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling assisted every week