APPEAL FOR FUNDS

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 70, 16 December 1937, Page 8

APPEAL FOR FUNDS

Work Of The Y.M.C.A. In Wellington development of CAMPING The Young Men’s Christian Association of Wellington is to launch an appeal for funds early in the New Year, according to the president, Mr. R. H. Nimmo, who referred to the value of the association’s work at a reception last night to the new secretary, Mr. Victor Jones. The association felt strongly, said Mr. Nimmo, that the clmracter-form-ino- positive influences which the Y.M.C A. brought to bear upon a boy in his most plastic years were immeasurably more valuable than any negative, corrective measures which might otherwise ultimately become necessary. In a progressive community any expenditure of money and energy upon this work was looked upon as a sound investment, a form of community moral insurance. ’ This work could never be self-sup-porting. If the association was to achieve the best results in this highly important field, it must make a com-munity-wide appeal for funds for the purpose of reducing the overhead expenditure necessitated by the burden of a heavy mortgage, an inheritance of former difficult times, and also to provide an endowment for trained leadership and modern equipment for the rapidly-expanding work in these departments of the association which depended upon voluntary support. The arrival of Mr. Jones was particularly opportune, for tentative arrangements had been made for an appeal to secure £12,000. Owing to the appeal for the King George V Memorial Fund, it was decided to defer this effort until early in 1938. No major appeal had been made to the Wellington public by the association since 1925. The great work Mr. Jones would have undertaken would be to or/ganise this appeal. It was hoped that Wellington citizens would again show in practical manner their appreciation of the community value of the association. “It is our earnest hope that the citizens of Wellington, the membership at large, will give 100 per cent, support in any move made to erase this obligation,” said Mr. Jones. “What would be the result if this were done? It would allow us to go forward unhampered by overhead charges, releasing funds for intensive work in areas which badly need attention. “Wellington and its suburbs have a large boy and young man population. Our central building can cater to a percentage of this group, but there are many hundreds yearning for some form of club work experience. Our community could be dotted with Y.M.C.A. groups, groups that will help individuals to develop personally and become more effectively adjusted to life through participation in a creative programme. “Another field would be the development of camping. In the Otaki camp we have the nucleus for such development, but accommodation is limited. Facilities could be provided for larger numbers and also be a headquarters foi- young men’s groups and boys’ groups throughout the whole year. Camping is an experience that contributes to social growth and expression. Moreover, release from the obligation would allow for the employment of highly-specialised professional workers catering for the needs and interests of a modern community.”