Salvos bracing for hit to donations

The Salvation Army is bracing for a drop in donations following shocking child sexual abuse claims. Source: AAP

SHOCKING allegations aired during a child sexual abuse inquiry might prompt a drop in donations to the Salvation Army this year.

But the charity understands 2014 is a year for rebuilding trust, not for money.

"This year will be a difficult year for us," Major Bruce Harmer told AAP.

"But our focus is not necessarily on money this year."

Mr Harmer said this year's Red Shield Appeal was an opportunity to stand alongside the Australians who had supported the charity for so many years.

The appeal launch on Thursday came on the back of allegations of child abuse at Salvation Army homes.

The sickening claims heard during the Royal Commission into Institutionalised Responses to Child Sexual Abuse had subjected the charity to damning public scrutiny.

From the outset of the appeal launch, Commissioner James Condon addressed the elephant in the room.

"As I sat through the first hearing I felt shocked, ashamed and aggrieved at the abuse that happened in our children's homes at the hands of some officers of the Salvation Army and some employees," he told the audience.

"I have expressed to the nation and indeed to the world my unreserved apology, regret and shame at that which took place."

Australian actress Cate Blanchett and leading businessman David Gonski were in the audience to throw their support behind the Salvos.

The charity aims to raise $80 million this year, including $10 million over the two-day doorknock appeal on May 24 and 25.

The Salvation Army's leaders have urged Australians not to let their support for the not-for-profit organisation wane.

But Mr Harmer says if donations are down this year, and even next, their work will continue.

"If they are down for a number of years that would be quite understandable," he said.

"But we will continue to provide as many services as we can and help that million plus Australians who come knocking on our door every year."

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