Generosity bigger than recession 

The Salvation Army's Red Shield Street Appeal has shown New Zealander's community spirit is stronger than the recession.

More than $708,000 was donated by the public during the week-long street appeal, compared to $633,000 collected last year.

Salvation Army spokesman Robbie Ross says while he is not surprised that New Zealander's are prepared to give a hand up to those less fortunate, he was taken aback by the level of generosity.

"We've seen a steep rise in the number of families coming to us for help in the last six months and these funds will go a long way to putting food on the table for a growing number of families," he says.

In the first three months of 2009, The Salvation Army experienced a 40% rise in the number of families seeking food parcels.

There were also strong increases in demand for counselling, budget advice and emergency accommodation.

"The success of the Red Shield Appeal means we can be more confident of meeting this demand," Ross says.

---

---