5 Jan 2009

Mission expects tough months ahead

10:05 pm on 5 January 2009

The Auckland City Mission says the next few months will be hard for families who are coping with the cost of equipping children for school.

The Salvation Army Foodbank and the Auckland City Mission both reported an increase in the number of people wanting food parcels and financial advice during the holiday break. The mission said up to 60% more people sought help than at the same time last year.

Chief executive Diane Robertson says she is expecting those numbers to rise as the recession continues. She says the back-to-school period is difficult for many families, who struggle to pay for new uniforms and fees.

Ms Robertson says the mission relies on the goodwill of the public to donate food and money to help those struggling.