Sallies continue Fieldays tradition

The Salvation Army Media Release

Sallies continue Fieldays tradition

Wellington, 11 June 2007 - The Salvation Army will be out in force at Fieldays, with staff and volunteers providing a missing persons service, rest area, nursing mother's space, and site transport.

Salvation Army Fieldays Coordinator Brian Smith says that about 30 staff and volunteers will be on duty during the New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays at Mystery Creek 13-16 June. They will help meet some of the needs created when tens of thousands of people converge in one place over a short period of time.

'Based on our experience at previous Fieldays, we expect to help upwards of 4,000 over the four days.'

Mr Smith says that The Salvation Army has been involved with Fieldays for the past eight years and the services offered have become a firm tradition at Fieldays.

A missing persons service will operate from a portable cabin, sponsored by Cabins To Go, near the centre of the Fieldays site. It will be easily identifiable by a 5m inflatable dog wearing a Salvation Army Red Shield around its neck. In addition, regular loudspeaker announcements will be made from the Fieldays HQ informing people of the location of the missing person's service.

'It's easy for family and friends to become separated from each other in the mass of people and it can be quite distressing for those concerned.

'In previous years the missing persons service has reunited hundreds of people, including many children.'

Mr Smith says that a hospitality area and nursing mother's caravan will be located at Fieldays site N1A. The hospitality area provides a place for people to rest and recover from the hustle and bustle.

'We are bringing in our Emergency Services caravan from Tauranga from which we'll provide hot drinks, and there will also be tables and chairs for people to relax at. The nursing mother's caravan provides a quiet and warm place for mum's and their young children.'

The Salvation Army will also provide a shuttle bus service to ferry weary visitors up the steep hill between the southern entrance and the car park area. The service will be by gold coin donation.

Mr Smith says that The Salvation Army works closely with Fieldays organisers, who appreciate the services provided.

'Fieldays give a grant for staffing the missing persons service and we also rely on the generosity of volunteers and other sponsors.'

ENDS

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