Salvos say ‘Thank You’ in 2025
- deansimpson7
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over the past month leading up to Christmas, The Salvation Army has been holding ‘Thank You’ events across the country to formally honour and thank the people and organisations who support the Salvos’ work throughout the year. Salvos Online highlights one of these events, held in Adelaide on behalf of the South Australia/Northern Territory Division.
BY ANTHONY CASTLE
The South Australia/Northern Territory Division hosted its annual Christmas Thank You event on Wednesday, 19 November, to express its appreciation for those donors and supporters who made its work possible.
Divisional Commander Major Paul Hateley welcomed guests to the luncheon at the Adelaide Pavilion.
“The Salvation Army is only ever as strong as the people who walk with us, and when I think back on this past year, I’m blown away by the support and impact,” Paul said.
“Today is a time to come together to say thank you and to celebrate what’s been achieved. Even looking around this room, so many moments come to mind.”
Paul thanked NAB for their commitment to 800 volunteer placements with The Salvation Army nationally. A group of volunteers were at the Salvos’ warehouse packing Christmas donations for families. The Salvation Army provides tens of thousands of Christmas hampers each year, and many more gifts to children in need.
“As we approach Christmas, we know many in our communities are still struggling,” Paul shared.
“Families are being forced to make difficult choices and for others, this season is a painful reminder of loss. But because of your support, those who feel excluded will be welcomed into our warm embrace, those who feel alone will find friendship and support, and those who feel afraid will have their hearts filled with joy and hope for a better tomorrow.”
Paul began the meal with a prayer, and attendees listened to vocal performances by local Salvo artist Rebecca Raymond.
Rebecca Raymond sings for those gathered, and Phoenix Reigns shares his story.
The event featured testimonial speaker Phoenix Reigns, who shared his experiences of family breakdown, alcoholism and homelessness as a teenager. Phoenix later took on parenting responsibilities in adulthood and encountered ongoing struggles with addiction. It was The Salvation Army that supported Phoenix during his most difficult times, providing the compassion and support needed for positive change.
“The Salvation Army can only do what we do because of the support of people like you – our donors and supporters,” Phoenix said.
“You make it possible for people like me to get the help we need, to rebuild our lives, and to find hope again. Even though my story isn’t finished yet, I know this: I’m not the same person I used to be. God turned my darkness into light, and now I want to share that light with others.”
Salvation Army chaplain Duan Kereru shared details about the work happening across the South Australia/Northern Territory Division, and volunteer Meredith Wenham was presented with the Hero of Hope award.
Chaplain Duan Kereru (left) shares about his chaplaincy work, and Meredith Wenham receives her certificate from Major Paul Hateley.
Meredith has been providing invaluable support to the Fundraising and Gift in Wills team for 15 years. She has assisted with data administration, mail-outs, and at the Wills Day events.
The Divisional Commander then expressed gratitude to everyone for their contributions and attendance, concluding the lunch with a reading from Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
