Wynne's Knits and Tips for Together We Build
The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa's Colonel Wynne Reddish is knitting up a storm, selling vegetables and dishing out seedlings all in an effort to raise money for WM's Together We Build project.
The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa's territorial headquarters is based on a blustery street in Wellington.
Colonel Wynne Reddish knows her audience well, as she emails staff asking for orders for her hand-knitted hats, scarves and booties just in time for winter. Wynne is using her gifts to fundraise for Women's Ministries' Together We Build project - raising money to rebuild three officers' quarters destroyed by a tragic earthquake in 2018. Currently serving as Territorial Auditor, Wynne's expansive knowledge gleaned as Territorial Women's Ministries Secretary from 2009-2014 has served her well!
The Together We Build Project
On September 28th last year, the magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi province, triggering a tsunami that killed 2000 and displaced more than 1.5 million. The Salvation Army, known locally as 'Bala Keselamatan', had a major presence in the clean up but their work isn't done. Many Corps still lie buried in rubble and officers' (pastors) homes remain sites of destruction.
'I could not get out of the house. Jourdhan shouted 'Mama!', and his voice saved me from entering the church building right before it collapsed. I felt my body was lifted up here and there, slammed against something hard and rotated repeatedly. I could not stand. I could do nothing about it. I heard loud noises behind me, and I saw that the wall was cracked as the ground split. Furniture was falling everywhere but I did not understand any of it.' - Captain Susana Assah
In our Together We Build project, Women's Ministries around the territory is joining together with the wider Salvation Army to raise money to rebuild three officers' quarters in Central Sulawesi.
Our target is $44,500 NZD by the end of 2019, enough for three homes. Will you join us?
Wynne's crafting for a cause
'It's good to be able to use skills to help others, whether by gifts or by providing funds for projects.'
Wynne tells us that she has always loved using her skills to bless others. She was taught to knit at six years old, and learned how to crochet at thirteen. Her first opportunity to get others on board was her first appointment out of training college in 1982. 'The territory was raising funds for a new Training College, relocating from Aro Street to the current site in Upper Hutt. I suggested to our 'Over 60s Club' we start a sales (fundraising) table to contribute.'
Crafts and baby booties were a hit! 'The oldies always had new grandchildren and great-grandchildren arriving. In about six months we raised $75. This was way more than the target I set for this group.'
Together We Build tips: What could you do?
If crafting isn't your thing, Colonel Wynne has other suggestions. Vegetables, flowers and herbs make great fundraisers and Wynne has been self-seeding her own to sell at THQ. 'I have sweetpeas in a variety of colours, pansies and lavender.' Whatever you have on hand can be used to raise money for the project!
We've outlined some simple tips for finding out what you could sell to fundraise.
- Product: Think about something you could create, craft or do as a chore/labour that could raise money.
- People: Think about a group you have connections with. Is it online, family members, Buy/Sell on Facebook, your workplace or a hobby group?
- Photos: Take good, attractive photos of your product and advertise clearly what you are providing or selling.
- Prices: Let people know the price of your product up front. Keep it reasonable and make sure people feel like they're getting good value for money.
And last of all - donate! Individual donations are welcomed, and you could gather donations as a group or tithe if you wanted to with your local crew. Talk to your local Corps Officer about donating to the Women's Ministries' Together We Build project or contact us at: togetherwebuild@nzf.salvationarmy.org
Come join our community at The Salvation Army Women's Ministries' Facebook Page, where we will cover what's happening around the territory, run giveaways and provide resources to cheer you on as we all approach our Together We Build target.
Thank you each for your contributions and prayers for the people of Indonesia who are our brothers and sisters in need.
Article written by: Rosy Keane
Rosy Keane is the Mission Leader of Women's Ministries in The Salvation Army New Zealand, Fiji, Tonga and Samoa Territory. She has served in Women's Ministries for five years, pioneering online spaces of community, grassroots resources, events and vibrant social media. Her background in spoken word performance and facilitating workshops have brought freedom of expression and 'structured vulnerability' to Salvationists and groups around the world.
She is passionate about women being freed from all constraints, to fully obey Christ and thrive in God's priesthood. Her background in art, design and poetry help fuel her passion and determination as she communicates this hope held out in the Gospel.