The Salvation Army and Rabobank announce new partnership to provide free budgeting services.

The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory and Rabobank New Zealand last night announced a new three-year social partnership to support The Salvation Army’s budgeting services in New Zealand.

Speaking at last night’s event Commissioner Donald Bell, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga Territory, said that the financial support provided by Rabobank will go a long way to helping people develop skills to stretch their dollar further.

“The Salvation Army’s budgeting services have been running for over 10 years but only at a small capacity. This partnership with Rabobank will allow us to offer free financial services to a greater number of people,” he said.

“People from across all levels of society are faced with challenging financial circumstances and in New Zealand there are few organisations offering ‘free’ or ‘obligation-free’ budgeting services. This quality Salvation Army service is designed to assist people to be able to handle their money responsibly by providing ongoing support, advice and advocacy in the context of personal and family budgeting.”

Rabobank General Manager New Zealand Ben Russell said that he was pleased to be involved in a programme that aligned so well with the bank’s values.

“Rabobank and The Salvation Army share many common values. Both organisations are strongly committed to the community, and feel it is very important to encourage life skills that help people manage their finances,” he said.

“The Salvation Army has a reputation for helping those that have fallen on hard times. This programme goes one step further and seeks to teach people the skills to manage their finances and, in turn, develop life-long money management habits. We look forward to an ongoing relationship with The Salvation Army and I would encourage others, particularly the business sector, to get behind this worthy initiative.”

“The Salvation Army is very thankful to Rabobank for this support, as it means that we are now able to advance this vital service,” said Commissioner Bell. “Although much of The Salvation Army budgeting service is run by volunteer staff, the three-year partnership means that Rabobank will cover 25 per cent of the programme’s expenses.”

Others interested in contributing to this initiative can contact The Salvation Army.

Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Donald Bell (Territorial Commander)
The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

ENDS