For Major Gary Masters, it will be his 42nd year in the iconic fundraiser, which sees the Salvos and volunteers doorknocking around Australia on the last weekend of May to raise money for the charity.

Mr Masters said the Red Shield Appeal had endured because it allowed people to "give the way they want to".

"Some people want to mail in their cheque of $1000 and some want to give their pocket change at the door," he said.

The Canberra branch aimed to raise $180,000 this year. This was significantly lower than the charity's 2013 goal of $245,000, though Mr Masters said it would be an improvement on 2014 collections.

Nationally, the Salvation Army hopes to raise $74 million through this year's appeal.

"Last year the Salvation Army was under the spotlight. We got some bad publicity because of the royal commission," Mr Masters said.

"We acknowledge some things that occurred in the past were not correct. The public spoke strongly and loudly in the way they gave to the Salvation Army, but we're hoping with 12 months of doing the work we do and being seen as the trustworthy organisation people believe us to be, confidence has been restored and we hope we're going to be able to begin building that goal again."

Money raised from the Red Shield Appeal goes towards a diverse range of Salvation Army programs, such as alcohol and drug rehabilitation, youth refuges and emergency relief.

Mr Masters said the Canberra team was still looking for volunteers for this year's appeal.

"Volunteers spend about 2½ - 3 hours collecting," Mr Masters said.

"Most people find they're a bit fearful before they start, but once they get into it they find it's a lot of fun."

To donate or volunteer for this year's Red Shield Appeal, call 13 72 58 or visit salvos.org.au.

Donations can also be made in person at any Westpac branch or by posting a cheque to PO Box 9888 in your capital city.