City Mission still needs Greater Wellington’s support in the lead up to Christmas

The Wellington City Mission would like to thank the generous people of Greater Wellington who supported their annual Street Day Appeal on Friday 2 December, both through volunteering as collectors and donating on the day.

The Mission’s Street Day is a key part of their Christmas fundraising and usually contributes significant funds towards the running of their programmes and services, such as food parcel support, budgeting advice and in-home social work.

Unfortunately, November’s 7.8 magnitude earthquake affected The Mission’s Street Day this year. With many buildings in Wellington’s CBD temporarily or permanently closed, The Mission lost key collection sites, and a lot of their regular volunteers and donors were unable to support the Street Day this year, meaning they were down $18,000 on last year – approximately 36%.

Wellington City Mission Chief Executive Officer Michelle Branney said this has left them without much-needed funds to continue their work in Greater Wellington.

“We are incredibly grateful for those who were able to support the day, either by volunteering as a collector or donating. Even though we’re down, there’s still time for people to support right up until Christmas Day.

Every little bit helps.”

Last Christmas, thanks to the generosity of businesses and individuals, The Mission assisted over 3,000 people during the Christmas period with one-off or regular support, and gave out over 1,400 food parcels and 1,500 gifts to those most in need. With the support of the community, they are hoping to do this all over again this year, while continuing to offer their year-round social services as well.

If you would like to donate to The Mission’s Christmas Star Appeal, or need more information, please visit www.ChristmasStar.co.nz.

ENDS

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