Salvation Army kicks off annual Red Shield Appeal

The rising cost of living, housing crisis and ongoing Covid-19 outbreak are pushing increasing numbers of vulnerable families into poverty, resulting in a greater demand for Salvation Army services, says Territorial Director of Community Ministries Jono Bell.

The Salvation Army has today launched its annual Red Shield Appeal, which helps to fund its range of community-based social services aimed at helping the most vulnerable in our society to cope with life emergencies and to get them back on their feet.

These include foodbanks, financial mentoring and counselling, addiction services, supported accommodation and Positive Lifestyle Programmes. 

“The very real surge in the price of basic necessities such as food, fuel, electricity and housing are hurting the lowest income families the most and pushing others closer to the edge of need,” says Mr Bell.

“Add to that the impact of the pandemic and we are seeing a level of need that is higher than ever. In response, we have had to increase staffing levels in our community ministries services by around 15 percent to keep up with the demand for support.”

Mr Bell says that families who came to The Salvation Army usually faced urgent issues such as not having enough money to buy food.

“While we always respond to the immediate needs, The Salvation Army is also very much focused on providing and facilitating wrap around support that helps the most vulnerable in the longer term. It’s about helping people right now and supporting them to a brighter and more hopeful future.”

More information about the Red Shield Appeal, including how to donate, is available on The Salvation Army website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/RedShield

For enquiries contact: 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.)