I Have Been Part of Every Red Shield Appeal For 60 Years - Hope 103.2

I Have Been Part of Every Red Shield Appeal For 60 Years

The Red Shield Appeal started in 1965. Diana was one of the volunteers in that first Red Shield Appeal – and every year since.

By Ben McEachenThursday 23 May 2024Hope MorningsChristian LivingReading Time: 4 minutes

Imagine volunteering with the same great cause for 60 years?
Key points
  • The Red Shield Appeal started in 1965. Diana was one of the volunteers in that first Red Shield Appeal – and every year since.
  • “As a Christian first and foremost, that always made me feel warm and fuzzy,” Diane said.
  • Listen to the full interview with Diane Hill in the player above.

Diane Hill doesn’t have to imagine.

The enthusiastic hairdresser has done just that in the Hurstville area of Sydney.

For six decades, Diane has not missed one year of offering her time and energy to the Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal.

This annual fundraiser and outreach drive across Australia started in 1965.

The same year Diane was married, she was one of the volunteers in that first Red Shield Appeal – and every year since.

Diane enjoys meeting and helping people

“The years that I had two babies, my babies were born in April and May,” Diane told Hope Mornings.

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“At that time, the Red Shield Appeal was held in July, right in the middle of winter.

“So, by that time, I was able to go out again.”

Correct: Diane continued to collect money to support others through Salvation Army programs, even after she had given birth only a few months earlier.

The Red Shield Appeal started in 1965. Diana was one of the volunteers in that first Red Shield Appeal – and every year since.

Why? Well, a big factor is enjoyment.

From the first one to this year’s Red Shield Appeal, Diane has loved getting out there and connecting with her community.

Indeed, she even loves knocking on a stranger’s door to share with them about the Salvation Army’s work and how her own faith motivates her.

“I enjoy speaking with people; I’m a people person,” Diane said.

“Back in the beginning, when we door knocked, you often met interesting people or sad people or people that needed help.

“As a Christian first and foremost, that always made me feel warm and fuzzy.

“I was able to greet someone with a smile who was feeling a bit lost or lonely, or else give help, or just have an interesting conversation.”

Dealing with the big changes

Over the past 60 years, Australian society has changed. So too has the Red Shield Appeal.

Diane has seen how higher density living in our cities has hampered the ability to door knock.

The challenge of getting someone’s attention and a bit of their time is harder, according to Diane, at a shopping centre, train station or fast-food outlet.

“As a Christian first and foremost, that always made me feel warm and fuzzy,” Diane said.

As this ability to connect with her community has become more difficult, Diane pointed out that the need for what the Salvation Army does – and why – has only increased.

“The Red Shield money goes back into the community, helping people in need,” Diane said.

Recently, one of Diane’s own family members was helped by the Salvation Army to combat drug addiction.

Seeing this assistance first-hand gave Diane renewed impetus to continue serving each year.

Diane Hill, photos supplied (2)

Diana was one of the volunteers in the very first Red Shield Appeal – and has volunteered every year since.

Following in her mother’s footsteps

Diane ‘s mother set a strong example of volunteering.

Part of Diane’s commitment flows from something her mum did in the early years of Red Shield Appeal.

“We went out collecting and it rained, so we went home,” Diane said.

“I went home to Mum’s house for lunch.

“Then, the sun came out and she said: ‘Right, get dressed. We’re going out again.’

“That was Mum’s attitude and that was how I was brought up.

“When you do share your faith, you feel that you are speaking your life to someone else,” Diane said.

“She modelled not just that, but godliness in everything she did.

“I was blessed to have the mum I had who taught me, first of all, about Jesus and, secondly, about giving to others.”

Along with such a defining upbringing, Diane remembers another significant turning point during Red Shield Appeal.

She knocked on a door and one of her hairdressing clients answered.

The client was confused about why she was there.

Diane realised she had not shared her Christian faith and why she serves with the Salvation Army.

“When you do share your faith, you feel that you are speaking your life to someone else,” Diane said.

“You always try to show what you stand for, just in your daily living, but when you share it that is hopefully bringing them closer to understanding who you are and who God is.”

Listen to the full interview with Diane Hill in the player above.


All images supplied.