MISSION TO LEPERS

Press, Volume C, Issue 29706, 27 December 1961, Page 13

MISSION TO LEPERS

Increase In Income The Mission to Lepers (N.Z.) reports that its 1961 income from all sources was £107,600, which was £5500 above last year’s figure. “This is a wonderful result —and it is aid needed," said the secretary of the mission (the Rev. M. Feist). "Everyone in the mission is tremendously grateful to the people of New Zealand for their splendid help this year. I am sure I speak for the missionary nurses and doctors, too. ’ ’ Mr Feist said that many of these doctors and nurses had worked through dangerous times during the year, with wonderful courage and devotion, and he was very glad New Zealand had helped to save them from financial worries. at least. The postal appeal, one of the mission's main sources of income, produced £28.800. about £3OOO more than Last year. A notable feature of this year's appeal. Mr Feist said, was the number of children who sent gifts. Some had sent as families, some as clubs or groups, others just on their own behalf, often with heart-warming little letters. There had been many gifts which must have involved real sacrifice. For instance, three children in one family were given £lO for Christmas, but sen! it to the mission to support a child patient for a year. Some Sunday school children had gone without their annual prizes for Christmas treat to help the appeal. Another feature of this year's giving had been the increased number of persons who offered to be responsible for the care and cure of one patient. Some wrote that their children were now off their hands and they would be glad to be responsible for a leprosy patient. Others wished to support a patient for their own children’s sake as part of their training in race relations or Christian compassion.