Fresh Start Appeal: ‘It All Adds Up’ – Helping New Zealanders Regain Control in a Cost‑of‑Living Crisis
The Salvation Army is launching its Fresh Start Appeal this February to support financial mentoring services at a time when the cost‑of‑living crisis is pushing many families to breaking point.
With rising prices, holiday spending and back‑to‑school costs piling up all at once, more people are looking for practical support to get their finances back under control and regain a sense of stability.
“We’re seeing people who’ve always managed suddenly finding themselves overwhelmed,” says Paul Forster, The Salvation Army’s Financial Capability Coordinator. “Financial mentoring gives people a plan. It helps them understand where their money is going, deal with debt, talk to creditors and rebuild confidence. Even small steps can be life‑changing for a family that feels stuck.”
Financial mentoring is a personalised, empowering service where trained mentors walk alongside individuals and families, helping them make informed decisions and build long‑term financial habits. Paul says many of the people he meets feel ashamed or defeated when they first arrive but leave with practical tools and a sense of hope.
“Behind every statistic, there is a real person and a real family trying to find their footing again.”
The Fresh Start Appeal’s message, ‘It All Adds Up’, reflects how small contributions from supporters can create meaningful change. Donations help provide more mentoring sessions, more guidance and more moments where someone can finally take a breath after months of financial stress. As more people receive this support, the benefits ripple through households and across communities.
New Zealanders can support the Fresh Start Appeal by making a donation, setting up a regular gift, donating their government tax credits or leaving a gift in their will. Every contribution helps someone move from financial stress to stability, and ultimately, to a fresh start.
Find out more and donate here salvationarmy.org.nz/freshstart
The Salvation Army Territorial Media Officer, 021 945 337, email: media@salvationarmy.org.nz (The Media Officer responds to enquiries from media outlets and journalists. If you would like to donate, are in need of help, or have some other non-media-related enquiry, please call 0800 53 00 00.)