Sallies brace for needy Christmas

The Salvation Army gave out 6803 food parcels across the Super City in that period, 730 more than in the equivalent quarter of 2014.

Church keen for public assistance as it prepares to help 17,000 households cope with Yuletide pressures .

Salvation Army volunteers are bracing themselves for a bumper Christmas - of assistance to families facing a struggle to keep afloat through the season of goodwill.

The church reports an average of 309 new families are reaching out for basic food parcels each week, and it expects to help 17,000 households get through this Yuletide, subject to the generosity of the public via its annual Christmas appeal.

Even without the added costs and pressures of Christmas, it says the need for food parcels has risen in many districts this year, including by 12 per cent in Auckland over the three months to September 30.

The Salvation Army gave out 6803 food parcels across the Super City in that period, 730 more than in the equivalent quarter of 2014.

That revealed an accelerated need, compared with an annual increase of 3.2 per cent in the number of parcels given out over the 12 months to September 30 - to 25,666.

Annual increases in some other parts of the country have been higher, including 59 per cent in Taranaki, 21.5 per cent in Napier, 17.5 per cent in Southland and 12.8 per cent in Northland.

Although the need for food assistance appears to have eased in some districts such as the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, there was a 7.67 per cent national increase in the distribution of parcels in the three months to September 30.

Salvation Army community ministries head Major Pam Waugh said the church was noticing a spread in areas of need as more people moved away from main centres to provincial New Zealand for cheaper accommodation.

That trend was also noticeable in outlying areas of Auckland, such as Westgate.

Major Waugh said families faced a double-whammy in January, of needing to provide for extra "back to school" expenses, while trying to tackle debt from Christmas.

"Responding to Christmas pressures by taking on crippling high-interest loans can increase stress, sometimes leading to family violence," she said.

"The Salvation Army looks to relieve this pressure by providing food parcels, Christmas gifts and basic necessities."

Major Waugh said her organisation was grateful to the generous public and, although "the spirit of giving is good for us all", did not take that for granted.

As well as seeking financial donation, the Salvation Army is also asking people to consider giving Gifts of Hope, such as starting-school kits.

How you can help

• Call 0800 530 000
• Donate online at salvationarmy.org.nz
• Make a coin donation at a Countdown supermarket.