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Expected cold front heralds need for blankets, hot food
Wednesday, 4th June 2014 I For immediate release
With this winter’s first countrywide cold front expected to sweep across South Africa this week, The Salvation Army has appealed to the public to help provide blankets and food for people in need.
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.
The Salvation Army provides approximately half a million meals to people in need every year. In winter, the Church hands out over half a million blankets annually, while ministry units around South Africa provide sanctuary for approximately 5 000 people annually.
Members of the public can assist by donating blankets or warm clothing, which they can take to The Salvation Army corps (church) or the organisation’s 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 the cause.
Major Carin Holmes, Public Relations Secretary for The Salvation Army, says: “The relative warmth of winter in Gauteng so far has perhaps resulted in the public being less aware of the needy. However, the Cape has certainly had its fair share of cold and wet, and the inner regions of the country are soon to do so. We are grateful for all the assistance we can get to help those in need.”
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
