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Bitter cold heralds need for blankets, hot food
Monday, 10th June 2013 I For immediate release
Winter for many South Africans means burrowing down in the warmth of home, snuggling up in soft clothes and sipping hot soup.
But for the many homeless people who trudge the streets of our cities and towns by day and sleep on its pavements by night, winter is a desperate struggle to keep the bitter cold of the season at bay. The Salvation Army provides help to homeless people through soup kitchens, shelters and handing out blankets and warm clothing.
Every winter, the organisation receives thousands of appeals for assistance to ward off the cold. This year, it has again appealed for the generous support of the public to assist the needy through its many social outreach programmes. Major Carin Holmes, Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army, says: “Sharing with those who have far less than we do is a real blessing. We invite all South Africans who enjoy the comfort of a home, however humble, to become partners with us in meeting some of the needs of homeless people, and in so doing, experience the joy that comes with sharing.”
The Salvation Army provides approximately half a million meals to people in need every year. In winter, the Church hands out over 100 000 blankets annually, while fifteen shelters around South Africa provide sanctuary to up to 5 000 people at any one time. Members of the public can assist by donating blankets or warm clothing, which they can take to their local corps (church) or divisional headquarters in their region. Alternatively, the public can contribute financially by sending an SMS with the word BLANKET to 42290 to donate R30 towards this cause.
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
Media Contact: Ruth Coggin
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
Click here to e-mail Ruth
Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
Click here to e-mail Carin
