Locals rally to support appeal

The pandemic also means Australians are facing an economic and social crisis unlike anything witnessed in recent decades.

All funds raised will provide hardship support for those doing it tough.

Deniliquin Salvation Army Lieutenant Natarsha Laundon said the amount raised to date is below last year’s $4500 total, but is significant given the circumstances.

But there is still time to make up the difference, with donations accepted until the end of June.

‘‘This funding will go towards hampers for the local community and starting some community outreach programs,’’  Lt Laundon said.

‘‘Response around the region has been varied, but overall people have been very supportive of the Salvation Army’s calls for support.

‘‘We are able to use funding to help those in our community in many different ways.

‘‘We expect there will be an overall increase in demand for our services post COVID-19.

‘‘We may be down from last year, but as a whole I would say the community has been very generous in their giving.’’