CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR MISSION

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32474, 8 December 1970, Page 13

CHRISTMAS APPEAL FOR MISSION

Young married couples facing financial difficulties, aged people living alone, unmarried mothers, persons facing court charges, and young people who need help and accommodation are among those who will benefit from the Christchurch Anglican City Mission’s annual Christmas appeal.

As well as gifts of money to the appeal, persons are also being asked to give practical help either in the form of weekly work or for so many days as a member of a working bee. The City Missioner (the Rev. M. J. Goodall) said that during the year, in an effort to meet the increasing physical, social and spiritual needs of the community, the mission’s work had increased considerably and in the coming year even more help would be needed. The increase in calls on the mission had been brought about by the development of the night shelter in Hereford Street, the opening of the new opportunity shop at Bryndwr, the enlargement of the court mission work, and the development of links with the St John’s Church Open Door Centre. Details of increases In the last year 2192 persons sought help from the mission, 1112 more than in the previous year. Of these 465 were court interviews, 328 more than last year. The night shelter in Hereford Street has had a bed occupancy of 1374 and more than 1500 meals have been provided. Last year’s occupancy was 80. Compared with last year more than twice as many meals have been issued by the mission this year, more than three times as many new clothes and more than twice as much furniture and household goods. Groceries worth $2302 have been issued, compared

with $1265 worth last year, and the mission has paid the rent for 23 people, 22 more than last year. For the last 15 months the mission has also shared in the development of the Open Door Centre run by St John's Church, Latimer Square. It has provided accommodation, meals, clothing, fares and assistance with employment problems for the many unsettled young people who visit the centre. Emergency accommodation for girls is provided by the Open Door girls’ hostel, for which the Oxford Terrace Baptist Church has financial responsibility. Last year about $1958 was raised through the mission’s winter and Christmas appeals, $7OB more than in 1968.