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National | Christmas

Demand in whānau needing kai during festive season concerns Salvation Army

More than 300 whānau each week are turning to the Salvation Army for help with food parcels. The Salvation Army assists 17,000 New Zealand families who are unable to cope with the rising costs and pressures the festive season brings.

Requests for basic food parcels across the country is up seven percent, and extra support is needed in provinces such as Dunedin, Nelson, Invercargill, New Plymouth, Rotorua, Palmerston North, Porirua and Upper Hutt.

There is also an increased demand in South, East and West Auckland as well as Christchurch City.

Stress and debt are huge factors for many families with Christmas expenses, as Head of the Army’s Community Ministries Major Pam Waugh explains.

“Housing costs and security of housing are major concerns and many families’ incomes are consumed by rent, electricity and other bills, with food becoming the expendable in the weekly budget.”

Working together with families to address financial literacy and education is another prime focus. Other long-term support can include emergency housing, employment training, counselling, addiction treatment and a range of parenting, life skills and personal development services.

Waugh says, “Like all of us, these families want to enjoy some special times at Christmas, to swap gifts with each other and make great memories...“Why should the children in these families have to miss out on having a great Christmas just because their parents are struggling financially?”

This year, the Salvation Army will establish the Gifts of Hope campaign, which will enable the public to choose from a selection of gift packs which will support families beyond Christmas day.

Some donation options include a starting school kit, a snuggle pack and a gift-wrapped Christmas gift.

“You cannot help everyone, but everyone can help someone. Knowing you have helped a family put a roast meal on the table, presents under the tree and that you’re also equipping them with the tools to start the New Year in a good space is a special contribution to a season when we want to think about others and not just ourselves,” says Waugh.

There are many ways of contributing to the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. If you'd like to donate, you can;