Salvation Army appeal: $1m sought to support 1000 children for 1000 days

The Salvation Army’s new appeal aims to raise $1m to support 1000 tamariki for 1000 days.

The ‘1000 Days Appeal’ will provide wraparound support to parents of young children, including the provision of early childhood care and education, the supply of practical necessities for growing families in need, and other help for parents.

“Tamariki deserve every opportunity to grow and thrive in an environment that will lead them to a successful and positive future,” says Territorial Director of Community Ministries Jono Bell.

“They can only develop as well as their circumstances allow them, with many tamariki set up for a life of increased challenges, through no fault of their own.

“For whānau facing hardship and uncertainty—magnified due to the high cost of living – difficult decisions about daily survival may have to be prioritised over what may be of greater benefit for their children in the longer term.”

Mr Bell says the appeal acknowledges the importance of a supported and secure family environment to enable the best development for tamariki.

“We want to provide more services that support children and their families to navigate crucial life stages and empower healthy development.”

The appeal will support assistance as varied as quality early childhood care and education; wraparound support to whānau including social work, advocacy, financial mentoring and counselling; back-to-school supplies; pēpi essentials such as nappies and baby food; and parenting-support programmes. Activities for older children are also in the mix, including Aspire Youth—a programme for at-risk teens aged 11–16.

More information about the Appeal, including how to donate, is available on The Salvation Army website: www.SalvationArmy.org.nz/1000days

The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)