After 23 years, Graeme Packer has stepped back from his role in managing the annual Red Shield Appeal in the Kiama region, due to ill health.

From November through to May each year, Graeme could be seen planning his appeal, recruiting collectors, speaking at service clubs and schools, or even walking around the markets to collect the much-needed funds.

According to the Red Shield’s Residential Appeal Chairman, Bill Dowson OAM, Graeme has worked tirelessly to ensure that 95 per cent of homes and businesses are visited during the Doorknock each year.

“Through Graeme’s efforts, the Kiama district is recognised nationally within the Salvation Army as a shining example of community generosity and appeal planning.”

His efforts were recognised locally when he was made Kiama Council’s Citizen of the Year in 2019. 

In these last 23 years it is estimated that Graeme has raised almost $500,000 and shown the value of the Salvation Army to the people of Kiama.

Last year, when COVID-19 ruled out a physical door knock for the Appeal, 81 year old Graeme sharpened his computer skills and became a champion of the digital appeal.

“We raised $13,000 last year, which was down on our usual $22-$23,000,” he says.

“I’m very pleased we are able to get the door knockers out again this year.”

During all this time, he has been supported by his wife Noreen.

“She has worked on 55 of the 56 Red Shield Appeals – I’ve only helped on 50,” he says.

With the momentum of his systems and help from the Zone Office, this year’s Appeal on 29-30 May will go ahead with the precision of previous years. However the Salvation Army is looking for someone to take over his role going forward.

“It is great to have a local liaison point between the zone director and the local service clubs,” says Graeme.

“You just have to be a good organiser and want to help others. I have found it very rewarding.”

Graeme will continue to support those who carry on with the work in his absence, and says he will find new ways to help the community that has supported him.

If you would like to find out what is involved with the role, please contact Karen Walker on 0438 435 705.

Online donations can be made at https://digitaldoorknock.salvationarmy.org.au/kiama-salvos