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SCMP Reporter

A twice-monthly column on volunteerism

NAME The Salvation Army

MISSION To meet human needs  in God's name

WHERE? More than 120 service units in Hong Kong, Macau and China

TIME REQUIRED Varies

HOW MANY PLACES Volunteers are  welcome

DO I HAVE TO PAY? Not a cent

WANT TO KNOW MORE www.salvation.org.hk

HOW CAN I APPLY Call  2783 2333

If you have spare time, an organisation that has been serving Hong Kong for three-quarters of a century welcomes volunteer assistance of all shapes and sizes.

The Salvation Army is a Christian organisation that offers a broad range of social services, including hostels for the homeless and disabled, and day-care centres for senior citizens, not to mention kindergartens, schools and youth centres.

'[Many] elderly people ... still remember that they received free food and clothes from the Salvation Army in the 1930s to 1950s,' said Irene Lo,  the fundraising director in the community relations department at the group's Hong Kong and Macau Command.

To this day, the organisation offers free food and clothes to the helpless as well as shelter to the homeless, not just in  third-world countries but also  in Hong Kong.

Ms Lo said voluntary manpower was crucial to the Salvation Army because its services were growing but government grants were dwindling.

'The Salvation Army is fortunate that we have some very loyal volunteers who are willing to contribute their free time to help us, which demonstrates the endorsement of our work,' she said.

Although some events demand as few as one to two helpers, others benefit from the support of up to 50 volunteers.

'Each year, the Salvation Army organises several fundraising activities that require extra manpower support, such as volunteers to assist in preparation work and on-site assistance with outside-office events,' Ms Lo said.

'Larger number of volunteers [are] required for outdoor activities, such as the Hong Kong O'Day, a city orienteering competition.'

Also, small groups of volunteers were sometimes needed to help on telephone hotlines, to lend a hand with pre-event preparation work or to provide computer support, as was the case after last year's  tsunami.

Other annual events where volunteers are warmly welcomed include the Salvation Army's Lai See campaign during Lunar New Year, its Red Kettle campaign at Christmas and its moon cake collection, which takes place during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Sacrificing some  time to the Salvation Army has its rewards. It can provide work experience for students and  graduates.

Ms Lo said: 'Volunteers who help us [can get] in touch with people in need in our society, which teaches them about life and values.'



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