Shortage of collectors

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32462, 24 November 1970, Page 6

Shortage of collectors

About 600 collectors were considered essential for a successful streetday appeal according to the executive of the Christchurch Young Womens Christian Association (Mrs Joan Kennington) but by yesterday only 60 collectors had volunteered.

“We simply cannot afford not to have the collection even if we only make $10,” said Mrs Kennington. “People think we are wealthy because we are a well-estab-

lished organisation but this is not so at all. “We contribute a fair amount to the national relief fund.” The New Zealand Y.W.C.A. was contributing to relief funds in South Africa, Jordan, Fiji, Brazil and more recently, Amman, she said. When the Y.W.C.A. started, it was one of the only local community organisations but now there were many groups for specialised interests and the original one lost members to these groups. Lack of finance was hampering the proposed extensions to the building in Latimer Square which would include a gymnasium (adaptable for other uses) and a group of cluster-type flats, said Mrs Kennington. At present a very successful programme to cater for children after school (from j 3 to 5 p.m.) is being run by ; the Y.W.C.A. at its centre,, and at Richmond SchooL ; “Some girls from Avonside [ Girls* High School help in. the after-school programmed but we do need some parents to take responsibility,” said Mrs Kennington. “Also some of the helpers cannot arrive until 3.30 p.m. and we need a supervisor from three.” Money from Friday’s street appeal will go towards maintenance of the Y.W.C.A. camp at Spencerville, partic-l

ularly towards purchasing a refrigerator. Anyone wishing to help with the annual appeal on Friday, or the after-school programme, should ring Mrs Kennington at 30-063. A creche will be provided at the Y.W.C.A. centre for the children of mothers who help with the collection.