The Salvation Army Media Release

Sallies welcome charitable giving and KiwiSaver changes

Wellington, 17 May 2007 - The Salvation Army is welcoming Budget announcements that will make it easier for people to make charitable donations and encourage retirement saving.

Today's Budget announced that the rebate threshold on individual and company donations is to be removed. This means that people and companies can claim rebates and deductions for donations up to the level of their annual net income.

The Salvation Army's Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit Director, Major Campbell Roberts, says that the removal of the rebate threshold is a significant change that will directly benefit charitable and social service organizations such as The Salvation Army.

'Removing the rebate threshold will encourage people and companies to donate more to charities, which will mean more money available to help people in need.

'The Government is to be commended for recognising the extent to which charities rely on donations from the public, and providing people and companies a greater incentive to give.

'The Salvation Army, for example, needs more than $7 million each year in donations in order to fund the shortfall in the cost of running its extensive social and community programmes.

'Anything that will help to encourage charitable giving is to be welcomed.'

Major Roberts says that the extension of the KiwiSaver scheme was also good news, because it will be of considerable help to low income families as they save for retirement.

'Although not a complete fix, it is certainly a practical way to help Kiwis in vulnerable situations build up their savings for the future.'

ENDS

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