The Salvation Army has highlighted that at least 300,000 New Zealand children are living in income poverty as it launches its Red Shield Appeal today.
It says despite the economy growing by over 12 percent in the last five years, child welfare remains a key concern.
According to statistics released by the Salvation Army over 10,000 families have been provided with emergency food parcels in the first quarter of 2016.
It has outlined that for many families it has become even more difficult to provide the basic necessities due to issues arising from high housing costs, unemployment, outstanding debt and unexpected costs.
Head of the Salvation Army’s Community Ministries, Major Pam Wright says, “We have over one quarter of a million children living in poverty in New Zealand and half this number living in crowded, substandard living conditions,
“Of these children, over 61,700 under 17 year olds have parents that regularly access our services.”
She says, “Our services provide the network, tools and basic food necessities to break the cycle. Our Appeal gives Kiwis the opportunity to be the difference.”
Donations to the Red Shield Appeal can be made to authorised street collectors, by calling 0800 53 00 00, at Countdown supermarkets, online at www.redshield.org.nz or via its Gifts of Hope catalogue of tangible help packages.