Give What You Can: The Salvation Army Launches 2025 Christmas Appeal
As the festive season approaches, The Salvation Army is inviting New Zealanders to Give What You Can to help bring joy and hope to families doing it tough.
“The 2025 Christmas Appeal reflects the ongoing cost-of-living pressures many whānau continue to face. The Appeal encourages generosity in whatever form people are able to offer,” says Andrew Wilson, Salvation Army corps officer in Newtown.
“Services such as our foodbanks are once again stretched this festive season,” he says, “and the numbers of those doing it tough continues to grow every year. That’s why public donations are more important than ever. Your support helps us keep going and ensures families in crisis don’t go without.”
This year’s appeal continues the story of John and his family, highlighting their journey and the impact of community support tied together with the power of small acts of kindness, like Olly passing on his cherished bear Koha to another child in need.
“Christmas should be a time of celebration, but for many it’s a time of stress and struggle,” says Andrew. “Your generosity helps us provide not just Christmas cheer, but long-term support that empowers families to thrive.”
How to Help
“Local corps (churches) welcome donations of new gifts, festive treats, and food items,” says Andrew. “Monetary donations are also especially appreciated and can be made securely by visiting our website.”
Supporting Family Stores with second-hand items helps provide affordable gift options for others this season. Starting in November, donors can also explore the Gifts of Hope platform for meaningful ways to support wraparound services: salliesgiftsofhope.org.
The Salvation Army has supported New Zealanders for more than 140 years. This Christmas, whatever you can give will help light up someone’s life—not just for a day, but for the future. Visit salvationarmy.org.nz/christmas to find out more.
Key Events and Highlights
Behind the Shield Launch Events
Documentary-style screening in Christchurch on 12 Nov (Sydenham Corps/church) will mark the conclusion of John’s story and introduce the next chapter in the Behind the Shield series.
Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal
Launching mid-November, with a special event on 10 November featuring Rt Hon Winston Peters, New Zealand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, shoppers are encouraged to donate new gifts for children and families.
Woolworths In-store Appeal
Woolworths stores nationwide will collect food and festive donations to support Salvation Army foodbanks.
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.)