19/10/2026
For over 100 years, Adventists have gone from door to door collecting vital funds for the Appeal for Missions. Affectionately called "Knocktober", the Appeal for Missions later became known as the ADRA Appeal.
Arthur Pettifor from Clarkson Seventh-day Adventist Church has doorknocked for ADRA for 36 years, missing only one year in 2020 due to COVID-19.
"When I knock on doors, I don't just ask for donations, I share what ADRA does," says Arthur. "I invite people to be part of something bigger. The ADRA Appeal is more than a yearly church initiative—it's a living expression of the compassion Christ calls us to embody. For me, it's been a 36-year journey of faith, service, and deeply personal encounters."
Arthur's consistency has been crucial to connecting with his neighbours. Many know to expect him in October, and refuse to donate to anyone but Arthur and the ADRA Appeal.
"One woman said she told her husband to give a donation only if I came because she trusted me," says Arthur. "It's humbling to be recognised as someone worthy of that trust, especially when representing God and ADRA."
Delphine Trace (née McDougall) has been faithfully collecting for ADRA for over 70 years. While still a student at the Mons Primary School, she started collecting in 1954 when she was 13 years of age.
Like Arthur, Delphine has become known in her community. Many of her neighbours remember October as ADRA month and have their donations ready when she calls. A lady who usually gives $50 moved to a different suburb but passed her address on to Delphine as she still wishes to support the appeal.
“We are so grateful to Delphine for her decades of doorknocking," says Charlene Luzuk, National Programs Director for ADRA Australia. "The ADRA Appeal is the largest source of funding for our programs in Australia. Doorknockers like Delphine are helping to feed, clothe, empower, and connect Aussies in need.”
Thank you to Arthur, Delphine, and the hundreds of other Adventists for your faithful ministry in doorknocking for ADRA. The money you are collecting will have a positive impact on so many lives, and the impact your are making within your local community is deeply felt 💚
