The Salvation Army is preparing to launch its annual Red Shield Appeal.

It says donations are sorely needed to help fund the wide range of community-based social services it supplies, “especially for the most vulnerable people in society as the deepening cost-of-living crisis continues to negatively affect communities across New Zealand”.

The Red Shield Appeal helps fund services like foodbanks, financial mentoring and counselling, addiction services, supported accommodation and more.

Supporting the Red Shield Appeal is easy. Donations of any amount can be made online at www.salvationarmy.org.nz, or by phone at 0800 53 00 00.

Also, keep an eye out for the Sallies’ branded buckets as its collectors hit the streets from May 5-11.

The Salvation Army says its State of the Nation 2025 shows serious challenges and falling living standards for many, including rising unemployment and food insecurity.

More than 400,000 Kiwis needed welfare support in December 2024 – the highest number since the 1990s.

An example of the life-changing help The Salvation Army provides is the story of John.

When John first came to Sallies, his life was at breaking point due to decades of drug addiction.

“I lost everything. My wife, my kids, my home, everything,” he says.

But then The Salvation Army gave him hope. John began biking 40km daily to attend a day programme and received food support and budgeting advice.

He overcame his addiction and began volunteering at a Family Store.

“I used to think I owed The Salvation Army,” says John.

“But people said that the right people were put on my path at the right time.

“That’s what The Salvation Army does, they’re there for people when they need it.”

Last year, The Salvation Army helped more than 150,000 Kiwis and their whānau across New Zealand.

Salvation Army Newtown corps officer, captain Andrew Wilson, says: “We appreciate donations big or small.

“It all goes a long way to support the vulnerable people we serve.”

For more information about the Red Shield Appeal, including how to donate, is available on The Salvation Army website at https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz.