This Friday, Auckland will be transformed into a city of angels.

Become someone’s angel for Christmas, with Auckland City Mission.

The Auckland we see in the news is a place of beauty and plenty, with booming house values and world class shopping and dining precincts. But for many Aucklanders, living in our city is a completely different reality.
Rising power prices mean thousands of Auckland homes had their electricity disconnected this year because struggling families simply couldn’t afford the bills. The recent mortgage restrictions are putting greater pressure on the Auckland rental market, with commentators predicting rental rises of 20 – 50 percent in some areas.1 The demand for food parcels is greater than ever, up 9% for the year compared with the same time last year.
“For many families on minimum wage, working hard to make ends meet, a health crisis or sudden job loss can mean they spiral downwards into desperate need with frightening speed,” says Auckland City Missioner Diane Robertson.
Fortunately, they have angels on their side.
This Friday is Auckland’s first ever Angel Day, where everyone can get together, spread a little hope and take families in need under their wing. Aucklanders are invited to unite as a community and celebrate:

Angel Day
The Downtown Shopping Centre
From midday this Friday December 6th

There will be entertainment, live singing, and lots of prizes to be won.
Throughout Auckland, collectors will be out and about, aiming to raise $1 million in the Auckland City Mission’s Christmas appeal. This will help the Mission provide food, clothing, medical care and other vital support to Auckland families with nowhere else to turn – along with hosting the annual Mission Christmas lunch and distributing more than 2,500 food parcels and up to 10,000 presents between now and December 25th.
Aucklanders are also encouraged to go to becomesomeonesangel.co.nz. Make a donation, register as an angel, or support the hundreds of Mission volunteers, Auckland businesses, community groups and schools who have already become angels this Christmas.

becomesomeonesangel.co.nz

For more information please contact: charlotte.osullivan@lilyandlouis.com

Source: NZ Herald Oct 26, 2013.