A $155,000 grant will help the Salvation Army deliver its services across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago over the coming year.

Salvation Army director of the community ministries Andrew Wilson said the funding, awarded by Central Lakes Trust in its latest funding round, would go a long way.

“Times are tough across the region,” Andrew said. 

“Recovering from Covid is not so easy for some and it's the Salvation Army's mission to be there for those who need us most.”

The Salvation Army’s services across the region range from its community garden in Alexandra to its financial mentoring in Queenstown and its Family Stores are located across the region.

The Salvation Army recently received a $155,000 grant to help deliver its services across Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago.

Andrew told the Wānaka App its services in Wānaka include the Positive Life Programme, which was becoming increasingly well-utilised.

“It’s an eight-module course covering a range of topics targeted towards developing the tools needed to take on life's challenges,” he said. 

“It explores concepts such as self-esteem, self-awareness, assertiveness, grief, loss and depression, and goal setting.

“Across the region we have seen the difference this programme has in people's lives.”

The Salvation Army also partners with other agencies including Corrections to offer holistic support programmes for Wānaka residents.

“We also offer financial mentoring and couples relational support on request and for those going through material hardship our team can support people with access to items from our Family Store.”

The CLT grant coincided with this week’s launch of the Salvation Army’s Winter Appeal, which aims to provide essential support to families in need during the challenging winter months, and this year in the midst of recession, high inflation and housing costs.  

“The cost-of-living crisis continues to place immense strain on families across the country,” Salvation Army assistant territorial secretary for mission Lt. Colonel Lynette Hutson said.

“At the same time, The Salvation Army itself is grappling with ballooning food and grocery prices and increasing costs associated with its other community-based social services.”

She said the current situation felt like a “perfect storm” as the level of need in the community is expected to increase at the same time as donors have less money to give”.  

“Our mission is to help vulnerable people, supported in our work by generous donors,” Lynette said. 

“In the current difficult economic environment, all we can do is ask that those who are able, give what support they can.”  

Andrew said anyone who wants to access the local support can contact the Salvation Army on 03 442 9661 or email [email protected]. 

To learn more about the Salvation Army Winter Appeal or make a donation, click here.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App