A call from the Salvation Army
JOHANNESBURG – The Salvation Army shares details on its social programme and how residents can help those in need during winter.
The Salvation Army, found on Rissik Street in Johannesburg, is dedicated to caring for those who cannot care for themselves, including orphaned children, abused men and women and the homeless.
Carin Holmes, territorial public relations secretary for the organisation shared the details of their extensive social programmes with City Buzz. In addition to the organisation feeding, clothing and providing shelter for those who need it, they also have a number of family care centres to help people find spiritual and practical means to start a new life, hospitals and clinics for special needs patients and nursery schools to help care for children whose parents work extensive hours. These facilities are situated throughout South Africa, Namibia, Swaziland, Lesotho and the Island of St Helena.
The services provided are thanks to the hardworking individuals of The Salvation Army and the generosity of the public. “The public has a great respect for the Salvation Army social work and programmes,” said Holmes. “We serve the community and we are supported very well by the public. In fact, we would not exist if it wasn’t for the public, as Government does not support all our programmes.”
“It has been 127 years [since 1883] of hard work and outreach and we hope to be serving the poor in South Africa for centuries to come.”
She stated that the inspiration to start social and outreach programmes began after rivalry broke out between prisoners in Barberton Prison due to differing biblical views following the organisation’s ministry there in 1886.
It was the first organisation to work with prisoners and established a Missing Persons Bureau in Kimberely in 1888. “Work grew from there, spreading across the country and in 1893 saw the opening of a social farm in Rondebosch which today has moved and is known as Hesketh King Rehabilitation Centre in Muldersvley in the Cape,” Holmes said.
With winter around the corner and the cold already settling in, the public can help the organisation by donating items such as blankets, clothes and tin food. “Not baked beans, please,” stated Holmes.
She added that people could SMS the word ‘winter’ to 42290 to show their support financially at a cost of R30 per SMS.
Details: www.salvationarmy.org.za
