Appeal for alarm clocks

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33252, 15 June 1973, Page 4

Appeal for alarm clocks

The Anglican City Mission is asking for unusual items in its winter appeal this year because of a new emphasis in its work. The appeal will run for ihe next month. Alarm clocks, radios, and; beds and bedding, in addition ■ to'the more ordinary and ne- ] cessary items like furniture; and clothing, are being : sought by the mission. The City Missioner (the; Rev. M. J. Goodall) said that a new staff member and an excellent response to the last appeal had allowed the mission to begin an accommodation programme to supplement bed and breakfast in the night shelter in Hereford Street and its employment programme.

Because employment opportunities had improved in the last six months, people were staying at the night shelter for shorter periods and with assistance were able to afford their own accommodation. The mission wanted to help settle them, Mr Goodall said. Because more men were in employment they needed alarm clocks for waking. Larger numbers of unsupported mothers too were going into flats and homes, and needed beds and bedding. Mr Goodall said that the mission was encountering increasing numbers of young people who were running away from home. They were; usually the victims of fairly; severe emotional disturbances involving the whole; family. Requests for grocery ord-

lers and budgeting assistance had decreased, partly because beneficiaries of the , mission had learned to i handle their money better. In some cases the mission had become their financial agents. INTER-CHURCH AIL) A good ecumenical partnership had developed between The Bridge, the Salvation Army centre for alcoholics. anil the City Mission, he said. “We pick them up. and if we see they are in need of treatment we encourage them ' to get it at The Bridge.” People were also encouraged to go to Princess Mar-' garet Hospital for drug treatment. In the nine months ended March 31, the City Mission, provided $2002 of clothing, $3210 of food, 3760 beds, 3687 breakfasts, and special emergency accommodation for 173 girls and 65 children. The number of men receiving accommodation at the Night Shelter increased this year to about 130 a month. Last year’s average was 80.