Community fundraising continues thanks to local’s determination
published on 28 Jan 2026
Michaela begins another year of fundraising to ensure community work can continue in Penrith
A Penrith woman will continue her fundraising efforts into 2026 with the aim to ensure the community work of The Salvation Army in the town can continue.
Starting the new year in the same way she ended the last, Michaela, 51, from Penrith, will once again take to the pavements to raise funds for The Salvation Army, a church and charity that she says gave her a purpose, helping her turn her life around for the better.
Selling the War Cry, the official news publication of The Salvation Army that has been sold by volunteers to local communities since 1879, Michaela will carry out the duties alongside her weekly volunteering role at The Salvation Army’s church and community centre on Hunter Lane, Penrith. She said: “It’s lovely getting out into the community. Speaking to people, meeting different kinds of people and knowing you’re doing some good just by having a chat, offering someone a listening ear or just by giving a smile feels wonderful, it really does go a long way.”
Arriving at The Salvation Army eight years ago following a turbulent life, Michaela now sees members of the church and charity as an extended family and has found solace and friendship in the support she receives, volunteering each week at the coffee morning, lunch club and supporting with the general day to day running of the church and community centre.
Michaela continued: “For most of my adult life I have had no confidence in myself, I would just stay at home, go to bed or stay in bed through boredom. I also had reading and writing struggles which held me back and prevented me from getting employment. One day someone told me about The Salvation Army and so I started attending the coffee morning twice a week. I’ve found friendship here; I can talk openly to people, and I can keep myself busy. I quickly found I was accepted, accepted for being me; I could finally be myself.
“Volunteering gives me routine, a purpose and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The Salvation Army has turned my life around, changed my life for the better and I want to ensure they can continue to do that for other people too.”
Michaela took on the role of selling the War Cry when well-known and respected church leader, Salvation Army officer Major Alan Donaldson became ill in 2023 and then tragically passed away in late 2024 and will continue in his memory. Michaela added: “I stepped up to sell the publication when Major Donaldson became poorly and no one else could do it. I love that I was able to take on such an important job and make people proud of me. It’s enjoyable and I do it to give something back to The Salvation Army for all that they support me with, to make them proud of me. It feels good that I have stepped into Major Donaldson’s shoes and can continue in his ‘patch’ giving people the opportunity to read about the good news of Jesus.”
The Salvation Army in Penrith relies on donations and fundraising opportunities in order to continue its work in the community, supporting vulnerable members and people in times of crisis. The War Cry is a publication sold each week in Penrith town centre for a donation.
Major Carole Donaldson, church leader of The Salvation Army in Penrith said: “We’re so grateful to Michaela for taking on this role and helping share the work of The Salvation Army. Her selfless act means we can continue to build on relationships with our community and spread our word that we are here to help, and help anyone.
“We also want to thank the Penrith community for supporting this area of our work. Weather permitting, Michaela stands outside Devonshire Arcade and the proceeds from sales of the War Cry magazine go directly back into our community fund ensuring we can continue to meet the needs of the people within our town.”
The Salvation Army Penrith runs a food bank three times a week, Tuesdays and Fridays 10am – 4pm and Wednesdays 1pm – 4pm, a community coffee morning on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10am – 11:45am, a parent and toddler group on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9:30am – 11:15am and a community lunch on Tuesday from 12pm and Wednesday from 12:30pm. Worship takes place on a Sunday starting with refreshments at 2:00pm, service at 2:30pm.
