|
Tighter economy factor in charity Christmas gift drop
14 December 2007
The number of Christmas presents donated to The Salvation Army in the Auckland-Hamilton region is noticeably down from the same time last year, with the tighter economy a likely cause.
Last year the public and firms generously donated an estimated 80,000 presents to the Sallies for distribution to needy children around the country.
Public Relations Secretary Northern Region, Major Janee Sawyer, says some Salvation Army Centres in Auckland and Hamilton are reporting a significant drop in the number of gifts coming in compared with the same time last year.
‘The feedback I have from staff around the region is that fewer presents are being donated and not as many firms are making contact to see how they can help.
‘It seems like high interest rates, and rising petrol and grocery prices are likely factors. Statistics NZ has reported a drop in retail spending for October and this may be related to a drop in present buying and giving to charity.
‘People want to help others less fortunate than themselves, but they may feel crunched by the financial pressures of interest rates and rising costs.’
Major Sawyer says that The Salvation Army appreciates the generosity of people and firms around the country who have donated presents so far this year.
‘The gifts make a real difference in the lives of children who would otherwise not receive anything. It allows children from the most humble of backgrounds to be able to share in the joy of Christmas.’
Major Sawyer says that there is still time for people to donate presents. They can drop them off at any Salvation Army Centre, Caltex Service Station, Star Mart or Kmart store. It is preferred that presents be unwrapped so that they may be given to an appropriate aged child.
For further information, contact:
David Youngmeyer
Territorial Media Officer / Communications Writer
The Salvation Army - THQ
Ph.04-8026269 x8250 or 027-2005366
Email: David
|
Previous page
Print this Page
Send to a friend
Top of the page