The HBOSA Foundation has generously donated 400 children's bikes and helmets to The Salvation Army's National Christmas Appeal. 200 of these bikes will stay in WA, and handed out to Children through The Salvation Army's Family Support Service this Christmas.
Christmas is a time of high need for Australians who struggle to meet the expectations that this season brings upon them. These bikes will be handed out to children who may otherwise not have received a gift this Christmas.
Here in Western Australia HBOSA employees have been busy assembling the bikes so they can be ready for use on Christmas Day. Bikes are also being distributed to Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia.
"The generosity that HBOSA have offered our clients this Christmas is sincerely appreciated and we know these bikes will bring a lot of smiles and joy to the faces of many West Aussie children," Said Salvation Army Spokesperson Mr Warren Palmer.
The type of people The Salvation Army assist over this period is Belinda. Belinda is a single parent with a young 5 year old child. There have been struggles in her life in the past, and The Salvation Army have been able to assist from time to time. Recently however after finding stability with a job, Belinda has been evicted from her home and faces an uncertain Christmas. We are working with her to provide support and assistance in finding alternative accommodation. The donation of a bicycle for young "Jackson" has come at a perfect time.
Chairman of the HBOS Australia Foundation, John Van Der Wielen said that it was important for corporate Australia to get behind community initiatives such as the Salvo's Christmas Appeal and that it was only fitting that HBOS Australia, which has strong roots in WA through its BankWest business should provide such support.
"As BankWest, we have been part of the West Australian community for more than one hundred years," he said.
"Now as part of the bigger HBOS Australia group, it is important for us to continue to support the community that has been the mainstay of our business and what better time that Christmas to reflect on how we can best do that.
"We were delighted to be able to assist the Salvation Army who do such a wonderful job in helping to alleviate poverty and disadvantage in Australia and we look forward to working with them on other initiatives. In the long-term we believe that the corporate sector and the not-for-profit sector working in partnership is a formidable force."
Over the Christmas period The Salvation Army will assist over 13,000 West Australians in need and are expecting a 10% increase in people knocking on their doors for help.
Whilst across Australia The Salvation Army estimates that 300,000 people will be accessing their services throughout the festive season.
"Christmas can be a very difficult time for thousands of West Australian families in need - particularly with the added financial burden the season brings," said Mr Warren Palmer.
The Salvation Army and HBOSA Foundation have been working together since the foundations inception into the community in March this year.
Locally you can find out more about how you can help this Christmas by calling (08) 9227 7010 or log onto www.salvationarmy.org.au.
ENDS
Contact:
Warren Palmer
Divisional Public Relations Secretary
The Salvation Army
(08) 9227 7010
0417 909 964
warren.palmer@aus.salvationarmy.org
