Biting cold brings need for blankets and food

Johannesburg, Friday 12 May 2023

For immediate release

This week’s biting cold in the interior of the country will also mark the launch of The Salvation Army’s winter appeal in which blankets and food is provided to the homeless people of our cities and towns and others in need.

The Salvation Army will start its annual appeal by handing out 200 blankets and serving soup and bread to those in need on Friday afternoon at its headquarters in Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Commissioner Torben Eliasen, Territorial Commander for The Salvation Army in Southern Africa, says: “Winter is always a difficult time for homeless people. At this time, when there is such high unemployment in the country, more and more people are in need of help. We therefore appeal to all who are able to contribute generously so that we can bring meaningful help to those in need.”

Any company that is able to assist in kind is asked to contact Major Semeno on 082-994-4351. Alternatively, a donation can be made to the following account, using “Winter appeal” and your name as reference:
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Braamfontein
Branch code: 251905
Account name: Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
Account number: 50540087604
Reference: Please give your name and “Winter appeal” as reference.

ENDS

Members of the media are invited to attend the winter appeal launch at 17h00 on Friday 12 May, at The Salvation Army Basement, entrance from corner of Loveday and Juta Streets, Braamfontein, Johannesburg. 

Please advise Ruth Coggin on 082-903-5819 / ruth@quo-vadis.co.za if you would like to attend or do an interview with The Salvation Army’s PR Secretary, Major Thataetsile Semeno.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by love for God, and its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs without discrimination. The Southern Africa Territory of The Salvation Army encompasses four countries – South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho and Swaziland – and the island of St Helena. Its officers, soldiers and full-time employees provide their spiritual and community services through approximately 230 corps (churches), societies and outposts, as well as through schools, hospitals, institutions for children, street children, the elderly, men and abused women, and daycare, goodwill, rehabilitation and social centres. ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY Contact Major Thataetsile Semeno, Public Relations Secretary Tel: 011-718-6745 Cell: 082-994-4351 Ruth Coggin, Quo Vadis Communications Tel: 087-286-6444