1. The Salvation Army is one of the world’s largest
Christian social welfare organisations with more
than 1.6 million helpers in about 130 countries.
BY ISAAC TONG
2. The Salvation Army originated in early 1880, where two migrant
Salvos, Edward Saunders and John Gore, both arrived at
Adelaide, but both didn’t know each other. When Saunders was
talking about the Christian Mission (the Salvation Army was called
this back then), Gore was excited that he had met another Salvo
and they decided that it was time to start the Salvation Army.
After it had started in Adelaide, it soon spread to Melbourne,
then Sydney and Queensland. Today, the Salvation Army is
working in every state and territory.
JOHN
GORE
EDWARD
SAUNDERS
3. Currently in Australia, there are about 8700 officers that are
helping the Salvation Army and ultimately a significant amount of
people in Australia to help and donate to the Salvation Army.
Throughout the whole of Australia, in a typical week, they
provide: 100000 meals for the hungry, 2000 beds for the
homeless, 5000 to 8000 food vouchers, 1000 people with
assistance in finding employment, refuge to 500 victims of abuse,
assistance to 500 people addicted to drugs, alcohol or gambling,
several thousand people with counselling, 3000 elderly people with
aged care services, 1000 people in the court system with
chaplaincy services and family tracing services which locate 40
missing family members.
4. In the year 1900, The Salvation Army in Australia could have the following statistics:
Officers & Cadets & Employees: 1929
Soldiers (Members) estimated at 50,000
Corps (Churches): 512
Outposts: 858
In 2002, The Salvation Army in Australia had:
Officers & Cadets (ministers):1,901 - includes both active and retired officers
Employees: 6478
Soldiers (Members): 30,885
Corps (Churches): 355
Outposts: 194
In 2012, The Salvation Army in Australia has:
Officers & Cadets (ministers):1,997 - includes both active and retired officers
Employees: 8,885
Soldiers (Members): 24,188
Outposts: 48
Institutions, stores, programs: 1,267
Currently worldwide, The Salvation Army has:
Officers & Cadets (ministers): 29,041
Employees: 104,248
Soldiers (members): 1,724,382
Corps (churches) & outposts: 15,422
