Salvation Army's Owen Davis thanks for the support delivered

On behalf of The Salvation Army, I want to say thanks for all of the amazing support from the public towards the 2021 Red Shield Appeal.

I have experienced extreme hardship, as well as the unconditional love and support offered by the Salvos, and this generosity means so much.

The money that has been raised for the appeal helps to fund amazing projects, services and centres that save lives and heal souls.

COVID-19 has shocked the world and the need for help has never been as great

So many people are out of work, housing stress and homelessness is at an all-time high (almost doubling in the last 20 years) and mental health issues are becoming more common in all communities and cultures.

I was homeless, drug addicted, and crime affiliated from a young age. I was lost, alone and forgotten.

Now in 2021, I am an aspiring rapper and homeless activist, the creator of the rap genre #homelessrap and founder of the Street 2 Stage Project - a program run with the Salvos to help youth get off the streets through music.

I have seen the lives they have saved not only from the streets but within all social justice issues affecting our country.

Thanks for your donation. We can no longer do nothing. It is on us to fix these issues in our society and create a better future for our world.