ADRA APPEAL

Volunteers in every Australian state and territory will be publicly raising funds during October through door knocking and public place collections as part of the annual appeal for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Australia.

This year, the ADRA Appeal is seeking to raise $1 million to help support and empower more than 55,000 people in Australia and overseas who are most vulnerable to violence and abuse by improving their literacy, education and livelihood opportunities so that they can stand against mistreatment, realise their potential and thrive. The theme of the Appeal is Compelled by Love.

How This Appeal Helps

“Because of the blessings we have received, we feel compelled by love to help people flourish – both locally in our Australian neighbourhoods, and overseas in poorer countries,” ADRA Australia CEO Mark Webster said.

“It is possible to make the world a brighter place. You can help someone in need by simply opening your door during the ADRA Appeal.”

Funds raised during the Appeal will go towards helping people like Betty*. After experiencing a lifetime of abuse, it was a knock on the door from ADRA that changed Betty’s life. Through a connection with art and painting, Betty began attending the ADRA Community Centre in Macquarie Fields (NSW). In just a few years, she has begun to get her life back on track and overcome many of her struggles with anxiety and depression.

Even more amazing is Betty’s heart for others. She now volunteers at the centre three days a week to help others overcome their struggles too. She feels compelled by love to share her newfound zest for life and be a shoulder for others to lean on.

Further abroad, funds raised will help people access clean water, education and agriculture training right around the world through long-term development projects in countries from Zambia to Vanuatu.

The ADRA Appeal is conducted entirely by unpaid volunteers, in contrast to many charities who employ paid collectors. This ensures fundraising costs are kept to a minimum so that more money goes to help those in greatest need. “We’re so grateful for our volunteers who work tirelessly to raise money and awareness for people in poverty and disadvantage in Australia and around the world,” Mr Webster said.

The annual appeal continues ADRA’s long tradition of engaging with the public to raise funds to assist people in need. This year also marks the agency’s fourth Virtual Door Knock, which enables people to raise funds online. All donations over $2 are tax-deductable.

ADRA Australia is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to ACFID’s Code of Conduct. ADRA Australia has full accreditation with the Australian Government and is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit Commission (ACNC). ADRA Australia is a signatory to the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) code of conduct. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. The global ADRA network operates projects in more than 120 countries around the world, supporting more than 30 million people. For more information about the ADRA Appeal, visit www.adra.org.au.