City Mission feeling economy downturn

Media Release

17 November 2008 – For Immediate Release

The Wellington City Mission feeling economy downturn

Normally at this time of year, The Wellington City Mission has over 400 Christmas wrapped boxes delivered into corporate workplaces and government organisations in the Wellington region, ready to be filled with Christmas gifts. This year, only two thirds of those have been taken up.

With the campaign just days away from starting, The City Mission is hoping Wellingtonians, like years before, will dig deep to ensure that every child has at least one present to open and that the families have a least one day to celebrate as most of us do.

Redundancies and increased living costs over the last year, have put enormous pressure on the programmes that The City Mission provides.

The Wellington City Mission CEO, Michelle Branney, says “We have seen an increase of 46% in the number of people using our budgeting service and help needed at our food bank has jumped 27% in recent times. It shows that people are finding it really tough after the downturn in the economy over the last couple of years and it’s really now that we are seeing the effect of people being laid off.”

City Missioner Fr. Des Britten says, “Wellingtonians are always so generous and give so much with our Christmas boxes, I’m sure they can pull together and get the campaign really humming.”

“Corporate Businesses and organisations are being asked to contact The City Mission if they can help and they can do so in numerous ways, from asking staff to donate gifts for children and families, to holding special events. One company is not sending Christmas gifts to clients this year. Instead, they will use the money to buy Christmas food and treats for those in need.”

ENDS

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