Faith, service and giving
For Trish Rankin, The Salvation Army has been part of her life for as long as she can remember. ‘My father was a Salvation Army officer, so moving was simply part of life,’ Trish recalls. ‘Wherever we went, the Army was at the centre of our family life.’
Growing up, Trish witnessed firsthand what a life of ministry looked like. ‘People were always coming to Mum and Dad for help,’ she says. ‘Dad would support people who were struggling, and Mum spent a lot of time helping women through difficult circumstances. As children, we saw that service wasn’t just something you talked about—it was something you did.’ Those experiences left a lasting impression.
After leaving school, Trish worked in a government department where she met her future husband. They moved around because of his career, before retiring to a coastal community. But their happy retirement plans changed when her husband was diagnosed with prostate cancer. ‘Only five years after we retired, he passed away at the age of 65,’ she says. ‘Losing him was incredibly difficult.’
Through all the changes in her life, Trish’s affection for The Salvation Army has remained as strong as ever. ‘I think one of the most remarkable things about The Salvation Army is that it helps people regardless of who they are,’ she says. ‘The Army sees a need and responds. That’s what it has always done.’
As she reflects on the challenges facing many New Zealanders, she believes this mission is more important than ever. ‘People are struggling with the cost of living, housing, health issues, loneliness and many other challenges. The Salvation Army is there helping people through those difficult circumstances.’
This trust in the organisation’s work led Trish to leave a gift in her Will to The Salvation Army. A long-time donor, she has chosen not to direct her gift to a specific programme, preferring it to be used wherever the need is greatest.
‘I’ve been donating to The Salvation Army for many years, and that’s why I’ve also chosen to leave a gift in my Will,’ she says. ‘I don’t have children, so it feels meaningful to leave something that can continue making a difference in people’s lives.’
Trish encourages others to consider the needs that exist in New Zealand, while acknowledging that not everyone is able to give financially. Looking back on a life shaped by faith and service, she believes generosity comes in many forms.
‘Sometimes the greatest gift isn’t money at all. Sometimes it’s your time, your friendship, a conversation or simply showing kindness to someone who needs it. I believe it’s important to spread hope and joy wherever we can,’ she says.
‘That’s what I’ve seen The Salvation Army doing throughout my life. They’ve been helping people and giving hope for generations.’ She pauses before adding one final thought. ‘I honestly don’t know what we would do without The Salvation Army. That’s why I’m proud to support its work today—and why I’m pleased to know my support will continue into the future.’
A bequest is a visionary gift which upholds the values of the bequestor and is a living memorial to their life. To leave a gift in your Will, call 0800 53 00 00 or visit salvationarmy.org.nz/wills