Sally Army celebrates 125 years

After opening the doors in 1892, and being responsible for the health and wellbeing of struggling families, Pukekohe’s Salvation Army celebrated its 125th anniversary on the weekend.

The Salvation Army welcomed members of the Pukekohe community to revel in celebrations at the Reformed Church and the Salvation Army hall.

There was an afternoon tea, a band concert and a celebration dinner on the Saturday and a prayer meeting on Sunday.

Pukekohe Salvation Army Lieutenant Ted Kim said the celebrations highlighted the community support that Salvation Army has received over the years.

‘‘We (needed) to do something for the community. If it wasn’t for the community, we [Salvation Army] wouldn’t be here for this long time.

‘‘We have many winning stories. Sometimes our old clients visit us from time to time and say they got a job (and that) everything is going well. Even they want to volunteer here to give something back.’’

Despite the Pukekohe Salvation Army having had some bad experiences - for instance the theft of a collection bucket earlier this year - Kim said spirits were still high within the organisation.

‘‘All we try to do is to support them to get back on their feet and we have witnessed that our little service could help them to get back up.’’

The money that was raised from the celebrations will be returned to the community for those in need.

‘‘We try to give the fair amount for everyone, not just some people.’’

Kim said that the organisation can assess up to 10 clients and families each week and said over the past year, Pukekohe Salvation Army assisted clients over 700 times.

‘‘They appreciate it,’’ said Kim.