Street Appeal Press Release
Thursday 25 May
Compassion Soup Kitchen

Title: Unprecedented demand demonstrates need for financial support

On Friday 26 May over 200 volunteers will collect at almost 30 sites across Wellington for the Te Whare Hupa - Compassion Soup Kitchen in its Annual Street Appeal.

Manager Karen Holland says, “The Street Appeal is an important opportunity to raise both funds and awareness of the challenges our citizens are facing. Homelessness, addiction, poor mental health, food insecurity and social isolation are all issues seen daily in the Soup Kitchen.”

In the past few months the Soup Kitchen has observed an increase in demand in manuhiri (guests) being supported with the breakfast and dinner served each day, as well as those seeking support to access emergency, transitional and longer-term housing. On average 45 manuhiri are served breakfast each morning and 70 served dinner each night. This upward trend in demand has been observed at partner agencies working in the sector as well, putting a strain on organisations struggling with insufficient resources to meet community needs.

It is crucial that the Compassion Soup Kitchen receives the financial support it requires to continue this vital mahi.

The Compassion Soup Kitchen has been looking after the marginalised in Wellington since 1901. Everyone is welcome in the community and no one is turned away, regardless of their circumstance. The Soup Kitchen provides breakfast and dinner, Monday to Saturday. Alongside the provision of meals, two social workers walk with manuhiri by advocating on their behalf, supporting them to have their mental and physical health needs met, in arranging accommodation, access to financial entitlement, and finding employment opportunities.

Supporting people in need to live with dignity in the community, the Compassion Soup Kitchen also provides access to computers three days a week, meaningful activities and chances to learn new skills, and a safe place to share kai and community.

Please give generously this Friday to ensure this important service and continue its mahi supporting vulnerable Wellingtonians.

For more information please contact Karen Holland, Manager of the Compassion Soup Kitchen.

Compassion Soup Kitchen
(04) 385 9299
soup@compassion.org.nz
www.compassion.org.nz
132 Tory Street, Wellington, 6011
Facebook: Soup Kitchen Wellington

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