The Big Collection

Each year, Salvationists and friends of The Salvation Army fundraise for the Big Collection to support our social work projects.

Now more than ever people are struggling financially and rely on the work of The Salvation Army. This includes supporting people who are experiencing homelessness, providing specialist support for adult survivors of modern slavery, caring for older people in our residential care homes, and offering tailored support to help people become job-ready through Employment Plus.

Tony's story

Tony started drinking when his mum died and was a functioning alcoholic until his father passed away – he eventually spiralled into homelessness. Hitting rock bottom and about to take his own life, he was befriended by am Army chaplain and was supported at Bramwell House Lifehouse. Tony was also helped back into work by the Employment Plus service based at Preston Corps. Tony now attends the corps and became a senior soldier three years ago.

Tony said: ‘In November I will have been a soldier for three years. When I put that uniform on, it was an amazing feeling, like the missing piece of the jigsaw. It was such a proud moment. I got a new family and have an extended family all over the world now. I have my recovery family through AA and my Army family, and I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.’

The funds that you and your corps raise this year mean that more people like Tony can be supported by The Salvation Army.

The appeal runs throughout the year so you can fundraise when it best suits you!

If you would like to try door-to-door fundraising, special permits for representatives of The Salvation Army are already in place and these collections can take place in September.

For further information, please speak to your corps officer or local leader, or email territorial.appeals@salvationarmy.org.uk.

There are so many ways that you can fundraise.

Many corps arrange collecting days on high streets and supermarkets, while individuals and groups organise social events, coffee mornings and bake sales or take part in sporting events and challenges. Gather a group in your corps who are keen to fundraise together.

You might choose to:

Challenge yourself or get some friends together to run, skydive or cycle
Organise a Team Sally Army Big Tea Party
Ask friends and family to donate to the Big Collection instead of giving a birthday gift