Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. Campaign

Franklin Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 22, 26 February 1940, Page 5

Salvation Army and Y.M.C.A. Campaign

WELFARE FUND OF £IOO,OOO FOR FIGHTING SERVICES MEETING ON WEDNESDAY NEXT WHAT WILL PUKEKOHE DO? During Ihe next few weeks the Y.M.C.A. and the Salvation Army will be conducting a campaign to raise £IOO,OOO to provide for the welfare, comfort, and recreation of the men of New Zealand’s fighting forces. This is an opportunity to everyone to contribute to New Zealand’s war effort, and it is hoped that the response will be such as to leave no doubt about the loyalty of the people to the Empire and the men from this country who have enlisted.

The fund will be administered by Hie National Patriotic Fund Board and disbursed in grants for the work being carried on at Hie camps, on the troopships, at the base camp overseas, and ai every other place where there are New Zealanders serving the cause of the Empire and her Allies. Mucji will he expended in New Zealand, for there are no fewer than 18 centres, where the Salvation Army and Hie Y.M.C.A. have provided buildings staffed by experienced officers whose sole duty is to promote the well-being of Hie men in camp, and to help them in maintaining touch with their homes. This important work was begun in the first, days of the war and it has included Hie troopships of the First Echelon, and is now being carried out in Hie base camp in Egypt. Wherever our soldiers gp, the Y.M.C.A. and the Salvation Army follow I hem willi (heir service.

Only Channel of Help Through Hie medium of the Fighting Services Welfare Fund only can New Zealanders effectively provide these social and recreational services for the troops. Definite, spheres of responsibility have been laid down so that.there shall he no wasteful overlapping of effort. Money subscribed le, provincial funds is available: — (a) For the needs of soldiers from time of enlistment till entering camp: also the provision ol‘ sports gear for camps, entertainment part ies, and Ihe welfare of the soldier while on leave. (b) From the time of demobilisation till they are again absorbed into civilian life and occupations.

The Fighting Services Welfare Fund serves the soldier from the moment of entering camp, throughout his service overseas or otherwise, and till 1 1 is discharge.

Confident of the supporl of a patriotic people who will help the men making the greater sacrifice, the Salvation Army and Y'.M.C.A. have developed their work for the services, incurring a liability for buildings, recreational, and other equipment well beyond resources provided to date, hut IP,is appeal should pul the whole organisation on a sound financial basis and guarantee its continuance and expansion wherever the need arises. A meeting to consider what steps are to he taken in Pukekohe to assist in the campaign will he held on Wednesday next at 8 p.m. in the Masonic hall supper room. A large attendance is desired.