How is my donation used?
This is the sort of giving that gets things done.Our appeal features four of the 30 partner groups we support overseas. Donations support our partners working in community development programmes and disaster relief.
Our partners are the local groups and organisations we work with ,and beside, to help communities out of poverty and toward taking charge of their own lives. Partner groups are driven by the local people , our skills and your support helps them get to where they want to go.
Are donations to the CWS Christmas Appeal tax-deductible?
Yes, donations $5 and over are eligible for a tax credit (formerly rebate) in New Zealand. You will be sent a receipt you can use for tax purposes. CWS is a registered charitable entity and an approved recipient for payroll giving.
Is CWS a recognised charity in New Zealand?
Yes, CWS is a registered charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005. Our registration number is #CC22288
When will I get my receipt?
Donations sent directly to CWS will be processed and receipted within 10 working days. Individual donations made through a church collection may take longer as receipting has to wait until the church treasurer sends the donations to CWS. If you are waiting for a receipt for a donation that you made via your church, it may pay to check with your parish treasurer first.
If you cannot find your original receipt, please contact CWS during business hours on 03 366 9274, or 0800 74 73 72 for donors outside Christchurch, or email cws@cws.org.nz. Provide your name and address and we will send you a duplicate copy.
How can I be sure my money gets to those who really need it?
CWS has 66 years of proven achievement and expertise working with overseas partners.We are proud to say many earlier partners do not need us any more. For humanitarian relief and development work CWS remits funds to its partners quickly.When disaster hits where we have no local partners the money goes through the ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together), a global giant for doing good we belong to. The New Zealand Government has entrusted us with generous sums from their official development assistance fund over the years.This has been regularly reviewed, with rave reviews of our effectiveness.Our last report commended both our long history in poverty reduction and our excellent financial management.
Who is ACT Alliance?
CWS is a founding member of this worldwide alliance of 100 churches and church related organisations.It has a collective annual budget of $US1.5 Billion and about 40,000 staff worldwide.
Other agencies want us to support their appeal. Why should we choose CWS?
CWS is the agency established by New Zealand churches for their development and aid programmes. CWS has a credible history of working to end poverty and responding to humanitarian crises for the last 66 years on behalf of New Zealand churches and supporters. CWS works from a sound and trusted model of good development practice. CWS works with partner groups who address the root causes of poverty and injustice in their local communities and countries. People are not viewed as victims who cannot help themselves, but as agents of their own development. CWS has a loud history advocating for change, including NZ Government policy, and educating New Zealanders on current global and human rights issues. CWS networks and liaises across the social justice environment. In the past year 82% of CWS expenditure went to international partner programmes, making much needed change in their communities.
Why does the donation form ask for a church name?
Many of our supporters are church members who like to have their individual donation counted in with the total parish contribution to the appeal. You do not have to be a church goer to donate and you do not have to name a church.
What about poverty in New Zealand?
CWS acknowledges there is growing poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand but recognises there are a wide variety of agencies and systems to assist. Our member churches have their own mission and support networks working with those in need domestically. CWS was specifically established as their overseas arm but recognises the causes of poverty are often similar.
There is always more need than anyone can respond to. CWS’s role is to offer people a way to support community led development in poorer countries so families can feed themselves, protect their environment and live healthier lives.
We also have a small budget for Aotearoa which has funded visiting speakers and events that help New Zealanders understand what is happening in the world as well as some local groups working on local and international issues.
You are a Christian organisation so do you only help Christians?
No, we support people of all ethnicities, religious beliefs, gender and race. CWS is a faith based organisation that works with people of all faiths and none. We seek to build greater understanding between people and to eradicate poverty.
I am interested in the work you do. How can I get more involved?
Become a regular giver by making a commitment to giving monthly, or quarterly donations; purchase an alternative gift from the “Gifted” catalogue of gifts that give twice; volunteer, take part in campaigns and stay in the know. Keep an eye on our main site www.cws.org.nz and sign up for our regular news
I can’t find my answer
If you have more questions about CWS and the Christmas Appeal please email us directly.
