Help fill a Pantry

More Than Blankets, More Than Food: A Lifeline in Winter
As winter deepens, families across Aotearoa are struggling to stay warm and fed. For John* and Jess*, the journey of recovery from addiction was already incredibly tough—but the cold made it nearly unbearable.

John lived in a freezing caravan, where the lack of sunlight and constant dampness drained his energy and spirit. “I know myself, winter can relate to darkness,” he said. Depression worsened. When he moved into a cold, mouldy house to prepare for Jess’s return from prison and reunite with their children, things didn’t improve.

Even after finding work, heating was a luxury they couldn’t afford. “Blankets were our only option,” said John. “Winter bites hard.”

They’re not alone. Across the country, families are skipping meals to keep the lights on. Elderly neighbours are choosing between power bills and groceries. The Salvation Army’s foodbanks are a vital lifeline—but they’re under immense pressure. Right now, we need $22,000 every week just to keep food on the shelves.

Jess puts it best:

“It’s massive what The Salvation Army does. If you need blankets, budgeting, housing, or food, right down to the nitty gritty—that help is there. It’s not like, ‘here is some food, bye.’ It’s like, ‘what can we do to help you live and not struggle.’”

Thanks to generous donors like you, John and Jess are now rebuilding their lives—and their children’s future. “I’m in a good place considering where I’ve come from,” John says.

💛 You Can Help a Family Fight the Cold This Winter
From the warmth of your home, will you help families like John and Jess’s who are struggling to cope with the cold and the damp?

Your donation helps provide:

🥣 Food and groceries
🧥 Blankets and warm clothing
💬 Financial mentoring and counselling
🏠 Supportive housing and wraparound care
❤️ Every gift counts. Every meal matters.
👉 Donate now and help ensure no one goes hungry or cold this winter.