Defence Force cadets ‘invade’ Salvos Stores in Canberra and Queanbeyan
BY LAUREN MARTIN
Dozens of Australian Defence Force cadets recently reported for duty at Salvos Stores in Canberra and nearby Queanbeyan as part of the ‘Weary Dunlop’ initiative to serve local communities.
The yearly event is named after Weary Dunlop, a doctor who served in the Medical Corps during World War Two and ministered to hundreds of prisoners in a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. After the war, philanthropy played a big part in his life, and as a result, first-year ADFA cadets hold a volunteer day once a year in recognition of him.
This year, The Salvation Army was chosen as a beneficiary of the scheme, and 60 cadets from Charlie Company got to work sorting, tagging, serving and cleaning at Salvos Stores across the region.
Salvos Stores Area Manager Bronwyn Vinen said it was great to see the ADF cadets get involved with Australia’s largest charity retailer of pre-loved goods: “Great conversations were had on the day, as they helped us to raise funds that assist Salvation Army programs that transform lives.”
Major Joanne Delamore, The Salvation Army’s Senior Representative for Red Shield Defence Services, said there was a real buzz around the stores on the day, with so many Defence Force personnel on site. “They generated a lot of interest!”
“It gave them great opportunities to interact with the community and to learn from Salvos Stores staff and volunteers about our mission.”
