Salvation Army and Tranz Metro team up

Media release

Salvation Army and Tranz Metro team up to deliver the Goodwill Express

The Salvation Army’s Christmas food bank appeal is being backed by KiwiRail’s Tranz Metro staff who have volunteered their time to provide a special train for collections this Saturday 1 December.

After a break last year, the Express is back and members of the public are being asked to bring their non-perishable contributions and hand them over to the “Sallies” at one of the stations.

“The Goodwill Express train will be stopping for a few minutes at every station between Wellington and Upper Hutt, Wellington and Waikanae, and Wellington and Johnsonville on Saturday to collect food donations for those less fortunate. Tranz Metro staff have volunteered to man the special train for collections.

KiwiRail are also providing support by paying for the operating costs of the Goodwill Express.

Tranz Metro Manager Scott Brooks says the Goodwill Express began as a simple idea by Tranz Metro train staff to collect some contributions to improve the Christmas of those in need and use one of the trains to help.

“Their enthusiasm and determination has been such that it quickly grew into the Goodwill Express, using the distinctive old red English Electric units. This year however, instead of the older red English Electric units used in the past, the Goodwill Express will be a four-car Matangi service,” Mr Brooks says.

Tranz Metro Train Managers Wayne Bedford and Gary Innes are the driving forces in the staff initiative which will see dozens of volunteers working to make the appeal a success.

“Having been involved in similar projects with The Salvation Army over a number of years, I am pleased to have the Goodwill Express back after having last year off,” says Wayne Bedford. “It’s all about people helping people.”

ENDS

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