MEDIA RELEASE
26 November 2004

Borders Bookstores joins Mission to bring
every Auckland child a Christmas

Auckland City Mission is welcoming Borders Bookstores as one of its partners during its Christmas Appeal 2004. Starting tomorrow, Saturday 27 November, and running throughout December; City Mission volunteers will be offering a gift wrapping service to Borders customers in return for a gold coin donation. Customers are encouraged to donate a new unwrapped book to the Auckland City Mission Appeal. Borders will match these donations with books to an equal value.

The Appeal will be officially launched on Wednesday 1 December and aims to raise $600,000 to give every Auckland child a Christmas. The campaign will consist of TV and radio spots, posters and mail-drop in order to raise greater awareness of New Zealand’s social situation.

Mrs. Diane Robertson, Auckland City Missioner, says that despite the current economic boom and the record levels of employment, 1 in 3 New Zealand children still live in poverty. “It is easy to forget the reality of child poverty in our country: children live in overcrowded, inadequate accommodation and are, unable to participate socially within the community and have limited access to healthy food.”

“New Zealand also has one of the highest levels of economic disparity of any developed nation. Our mission is therefore more justified: we are here to help and our Christmas Appeal is focused on bringing hope and joy to every Auckland child, to give them more than a dream but a real Christmas.”

The Mission could not operate without the support of socially responsible organisations such as Borders Bookstores, and also of every New Zealanders who have been donating throughout the year.

Donations are possible by calling 0900 FOR AUCKLANDERS, or on-line at www.aucklandcitymission.org.nz .

“Together we are on a mission to give every Auckland child a Christmas,” concludes Mrs. Robertson.

Ends

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