Thousands of struggling Auckland families will come through the Auckland City Mission over the next three weeks in the lead up to Christmas.
This period is the Missions busiest time of the year and they can’t do it alone, therefore, they are asking for assistance to meet the heavy demand.
Needless to say, the level of desperate need in New Zealand’s largest city remains as high.
Dame Diane Robertson, who has steered the organisation for twenty-two years, says that the challenges faced by Aucklanders have increased over the course of her tenure.
“The people who seek the Mission’s help, especially in the lead-up to Christmas, do so for countless different reasons. Illness, accidents, job losses and the death of loved ones can trigger financial desperation. Children are out of school, meaning additional funds may need to go towards childcare, or struggling parents find themselves needing to feed and look after extended family members. The stress associated with this time of year also leads to higher incidences of family violence and relationship separation, leaving vulnerable children and their caregivers without the resources – or even a safe place – to celebrate Christmas.”
Dame Diane says it’s important to remember as we move into 2016 that the issues faced by those who come to the Mission both in December and throughout the year are issues that most of us will face at one time or another – however, a lack of family and community support means some people are unable to meet these challenges without the help of organisations like the Mission.
Issues faced by those who turn to the Mission are issues that many people face at some point in their lives but some are unable to deal with these problems due to a lack of family and community support.
Aucklanders are urged to 'Become Someone’s Angel' and support the Mission’s Christmas Appeal in order to ensure that those who require need support are able to receive it.
A donation of as little as $10 is enough to pay for a person in need. An isolated elderly person, a rough sleeper or a vulnerable child could be enjoying a hot meal on Christmas Day thanks to your donation.
Donate to the Mission's Christmas Appeal today at becomesomeonesangel.co.nz