"Light up Someone’s Christmas," The Salvation Army Launches Christmas Appeal Amid Rising Cost of Living Crisis

The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal, this year titled "Light up Someone’s Christmas," has launched today (November 6).

As Christmas approaches, The Salvation Army is acutely aware of the challenges the past year has brought to many across Aotearoa New Zealand, particularly economic challenges amid an increasing cost of living crisis.

By supporting The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, donors can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and whānau. Contributions will go towards ensuring vulnerable individuals have access to nutritious food supplies, as well as wraparound services that include budgeting advice, counselling and positive lifestyle programmes. This approach is designed to assist Kiwis in need on their journey towards a brighter future.

The Salvation Army encourages individuals, businesses and community groups to rally together and contribute to this appeal. Every donation, regardless of size, has the power to transform lives and bring warmth, nourishment and hope to those in our community who need it most.

Lower-income families feel cost of living pressures the most. This can have negative knock-on effects such as impacting school performance, increasing stress and anxiety, and exacerbating physical and mental health conditions.

“More Kiwis than ever are doing it tough this year,” says Jono Bell, Territorial Director Community Ministries at The Salvation Army.

“Over the past 12 months, The Salvation Army’s Foodbank Project has witnessed an increase in the cost of basic food parcels, with prices rising from $120 to $135—a 12.5% rise in costs. The cost impacts the amount of nutritious food that is available for families struggling to make ends meet."

The Salvation Army assisted more than 150,000 Kiwis in 2022, up from 120,000 in 2020.

For more information on how you can support The Salvation Army's Christmas Appeal, please visit www.salvationarmy.org.nz/Christmas.

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.)