THE Y.W.C.A.

Evening Star, Issue 21036, 25 February 1932, Page 8

THE Y.W.C.A.

There lias never been a time when the demands on the Young Women’s Christian Association of Dunedin were greater than at tho present. This organisation represents tho agency which meets a girl at every emergency and need in her life—housing, health, employment, friendship, recreation, holidays,'education, and moral training.

It is not a charity in the ordinary sense of the word, for approximately twothirds of its budget is derived from its own resources. There are, however, various departments for educational work and moral training that cannot be revenue-producing, and there are public services, including the employment bureau, which are at the service of any young woman without payment. These all entail a constant expenditure in service and upkeep, and it is over two years since this organisation approached the public for support. Last year a scheme was in hand, but owing to the financial depression it was deemed advisable to wait for better times before launching it. Although better times have not yet been realised the work of the organisation increases steadily, and it is now imperative to ask the support of the citizens of Dunedin.

The watchword of to-day is “ thrift." Thrift means saving national • assets. Youth is the greatest asset 'of the nation. To preserve youth is national thrift. Work that is preventive and constructive is undoubtedly more thrifty than that which is merely palliative. It is the old story of the fence at the top of the cliff rather than the ambulance at the bottom. Right recreation, training, interests, and friendships will prevent much hospital and delinquency work from ever being needed. For this reason a generous measure of support from public-spirited citizens should be accorded in response to the appeal being made to-morrow. Contributors can depend on every shilling being wisely expended by a band of women whose experience and interest are making the Y.W.C.A. activities of rare value to the community.