Hamilton business leaders challenged to dig deep
Salvation Army Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfred Arnold says the Red Shield Appeal will raise money for needy families.
A Salvation Army leader has challenged the Hamilton business leaders to keep an open mind about beneficiaries.
The call came as the Salvation Army launched the annual Red Shield Appeal at a breakfast for the Chamber of Commerce at the Combined Ministries Centre in Hamilton.
In conjunction with the launch of the Salvation Army’s annual appeal, the corporate breakfast was held to raise awareness of Army services within the greater community.
In his opening address, the Army’s Lieutenant-Colonel Wilfred Arnold challenged his audience.
“If you are tempted to be cynical about beneficiaries, or about welfare assistance, let me ask you to dip into your own knowledge.”
“In the 2011 Budget, 170,000 new jobs were forecast by the government over the next four years.”
“Yet only 21,000 jobs have materialized over the last year.”
“You know these things, you are the business leaders of our community.”
His message found favour with Chamber of Commerce CEO Sandra Perry.
“That is a very, very humbling story,” she said.
“Most of us here would have known bits of the puzzle, but not all of the puzzle. Thank you very much for telling that story to us.”
Statistics show that many more families are seeking help to provide basic needs since the economic decline in 2008.
The Salvation Army food bank has seen a 40% increase in the number of food parcels distributed since 2008.
The Red Shield Appeal runs until the end of July.
Txt CHOICE to 2454 to make a $3 donation or, if you would like to be further involved, go to http://www.salvationarmy.org.nz
