Editorial: Help Sallies with their annual appeal

Linda Hall, Assistant Editor, Hawke's Bay Today.

The Salvation Army begins its annual Red Shed Appeal on Friday until May 4.

This is a big deal for the organisation which helps thousands of Kiwi families every year,
This year the Sallies are looking to raise awareness about the hundreds of families in New Zealand who are living in poverty.

The organisations says no one should have to live like this. "It is time to end poverty in New Zealand."

There are stories every week about families in our country living in cars, shed and motels because they either can't get affordable accommodation or they simply don't have enough money to pay for even the cheapest housing.

It's happening right here in Hawke's Bay.

The cost of housing and rents is soaring and it looks like the cost of vegetables is going to skyrocket over winter because of all the rain.

Which will mean more people in our community will not have enough money to buy good food for their families.

Last year the Sallies provided 56,707 food parcels to people in need throughout New Zealand.

That's a lot of families.

They need our help to continue the good work.

Every little bit helps so if you see the collectors out and don't have any cash on you, give them a smile instead or drop some food in your nearest centre.

If you would like to help with the collection contact your nearest Salvation Army.
To donate phone 0800 53 00 00 or you can post a cheque to The Salvation Army, PO Box 27001 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand.