Thank you New Zealand

Thank you New Zealand

Although the game is not over till the final whistle blows -- and even while we wait for the results from the bank -- The Salvation Army says thank you for your generous support during our 2006 Red Shield Appeal Week, held from 1-7 May.

Collectors continue to provide encouraging reports of the warmth and generosity of New Zealanders towards The Salvation Army and its work of caring for those in need.

So far, the bank have counted over $600,000 and as soon as a total figure is available, I'll inform you. In addition we are progressively receiving the householder envelopes containing donations to our appeal. Our aim is for a million dollar appeal and we are hopful of achieving that goal.

To those who offered their services by volunteering to collect, and to the thousands who contributed by making a donation - and many more than once - your assistance does help. Together - with your support and our manpower and expertise - we are making a difference in communities all around New Zealand. Be assured your generosity will be used wisely and effectively to provide for and assist those in need

A special thanks must go to the numerous media companioes - print and broadcast - for their support with advertising and promotion for the appeal.

Each year The Salvation Army touches the lives of tens of thousands of New Zealanders, offering help and assistance in many practical ways. In a 12 month period we provide:
accommodation for more than 76,000 people
assessment interviews for 20,000 people
budgeting advice for 4,500 people
community meals for 8,200 people
counselling for 5,500 people
food parcels for more than 24,000 people
gifts and toys for 6,000 people (mainly children)
meals on wheels for 28,000 people
parenting programmes & education for 3,800 people

These are just some of the ways in which the Red Shield Appeal funds are used. In addition to this, our addiction programmes and ministry with youth through school programmes, conservation corps and transitional housing all benefit from funds raised in the annual Red Shield Appeal.

So why does The Salvation Army care in this way? Those who know our heritage of faith would understand the slogan so often used to describe our caring activities - heart to God and hand to man. Ours is an intersection of faith and deeds.

It says in the Bible (James 2): 'My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show that you really do have faith? If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, you shouldn't just say, "I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat." What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead!'

Because we are moved with compassion - our love for God compels us to care. This is not an onerous task; it is a privilege and a joy. The joy of Christian service.

Thank you for your financial help and practical assistance, which is greatly appreciated. As you have given of your time and your money, be assured that you are assisting The Salvation Army to continue fulfilling this critical aspect of our mission - to care for people. Ben Lee's song 'We are all in this together' has been our theme song this year and will continue to be into the future.

ENDS

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