Woolworths New Zealand’s customers gave an extraordinary NZD 326,000 during the Woolworths Salvation Army Christmas Appeal in December, boosted by a further NZD 100,000 donation.
On the 27th of February, a giant cheque for NZD 426,000 was presented by Woolworths New Zealand to Major Christina Tyson, head of The Salvation Army’s Community Ministries, at its Manukau Community Ministries.
“This is an unexpectedly kind way to start the year. The Salvation Army’s dreams to transform people’s difficult circumstances often outstrip our resources. These funds will strengthen our capacity to provide essential food support and do the deep and wide work that shifts people from crisis to resilience," said Major Christina Tyson.
"Thank you, Woolworths, for backing The Salvation Army’s mission to change lives. Thank you, too, for making it so easy for your customers to support our mahi. It’s reassuring in these tough times that so many are committed to caring for others and want to play their part."
Woolworths is The Salvation Army’s largest single corporate supporter, and so far, during the financial year 2026, around NZD 700,000 has been donated by Woolworths and its customers to The Salvation Army.
More than NZD 153,000 was donated by customers during July 2025’s Winter Appeal, with a further NZD 100,000 donated by Woolworths.
“Our customers’ generosity is just absolutely amazing, even when we aren’t running our two annual appeals, they continue to give," said Kate Eastoe, General Manager Public Affairs and Sustainability for Woolworths New Zealand.
"We partner with The Salvation Army because of their national scale, with about 60 food banks across the country. We know there are plenty of people doing it tough out there and we also know that we can rely on the Sallies to get help to where it’s needed."
In addition to its support for The Salvation Army, Woolworths supports KidsCan, The Little Miracles Trust, NZ Red Cross and more than 30 food rescue organisations across New Zealand.
This financial year, Woolworths will invest around NZD one million in cash grants for food rescue groups and will donate thousands of tonnes of safe, surplus food as part of its aim to send no food to landfill.
