Brown Paper Bag Appeal asks Wellingtonians to choose: “The Money or The Bag?”

People in Greater Wellington will this year have the choice between donating money or food to the Wellington City Missions annual „Brown Paper Bag Appeal – which runs from 25 June to 10 July.

Included in Thursday 25 Junes Dominion Post will be a self-return donation envelope (“The Money”) and the traditional Brown Paper Bag (“The Bag”). Aside from these inserts, people can support by donating online at www.wellingtoncitymission.org.nz or by dropping any shopping bag of non-perishable food items at participating Z service stations – see The Missions website for full details.

Donations to the Brown Paper Bag Appeal support The Missions Foodbank and Drop-In Centre.

“Wellingtonians are generous supporters of their City Mission, and in the last year we were able to give out over 3,000 food parcels for people in need throughout the Greater Wellington region, and provide over 17,900 servings in our Drop-in Centre. The vast majority of this food was donated” explains Wellington City Mission CEO, Michelle Branney. “But without vital funds, the Foodbank and Drop-in Centre could not continue to offer their valuable services.”

When people need help, the Foodbank and Drop-in Centre are often their first point of contact with The Mission. The Foodbanks food parcels offer immediate assistance to help put meals on the table. Each parcel is designed to supplement a weeks shop with basic staples - in various sizes, depending on the level of need. The Drop-in Centre provides a safe haven, where guests can enjoy hot drinks, soups, sandwiches, a main meal and dessert, while socialising with others.

These services also act as a gateway to other Mission programmes. For example, an individual or family who accesses the Foodbank may then be introduced to a social worker, advocate and/or budget advisor. Regular food parcel support helps to relieve financial and emotional worries as they focus on identifying and addressing underlying issues, and get back on track to a positive future.

“The Wellington City Mission has now been helping Wellingtonians in need for 111 years, and we are very grateful to all those who have supported the Brown Paper Bag Appeal over the last eight years” Ms Branney said.

For more information, please visit www.wellingtoncitymission.org.nz

ENDS

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