How is my donation used?

Your donation goes along because our local partners know how to get things done.  This appeal features five of the 26 development and humanitarian partner organisations we support overseas. Donations support our partners working in community development programmes and providing humanitarian support.
Our partners are the local groups and organisations we work with and beside.  They are part of the community, helping people to take steps out of poverty and to have a say in its affairs. Partner organisations are driven by the local people and their demands for justice and dignity.  Your support helps meet their operating costs and funds resources, training and specialist support.

Are donations to the CWS Christmas Appeal tax-deductible?

Yes, donations of $5 and over are eligible for a tax credit (formerly rebate) in New Zealand. You will be sent a receipt at the end of the financial year (March 31) 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 within 10 working days.  An acknowledgment will be sent by email or post if we have your contact details.  Receipts will be sent after March 31 – the end of the financial year. 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 achieved much in 77 years of working with our skilled overseas partners.  Our partners are part of their communities and work with them to tackle the causes of poverty and give people better opportunities in the future. When disaster strikes, CWS sends funds to local partners or to ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together), of which we are a member. The  New Zealand Government has entrusted us with matching donations from their Official Development Assistance budget over the years – most recently to help Ukrainian refugees in Poland. Our partners make sure the most vulnerable people get help first and can support each other to make change happen.

Who is ACT Alliance?

CWS is a founding member of this worldwide alliance of more than 140 faith-based organisations. We work together to provide humanitarian assistance, advocacy, and development.  ACT Alliance is a member of the Core Humanitarian Standard and CWS is an associate member – part of our commitment to beneficiary communities.

Other agencies want us to support their appeal. Why should we choose CWS?

CWS is the agency established by New Zealand churches to support development and aid programmes. CWS has a long history of working to end poverty and responding to humanitarian crises for the last 77 years on behalf of New Zealand churches and supporters.

CWS works from a sound and trusted model of good development practice. Our partner groups 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 long history of advocating for change, including the NZ Government and by educating New Zealanders on current global and human rights issues. CWS networks and liaises across the social justice environment. In the past year, 60.3%  of CWS’s income went to international partner programmes, supporting communities to improve their livelihoods and opportunities, especially during the pandemic and in places of violence and conflict.

Why does the donation form ask for a church name?

Many of our supporters are church members who like to have their individual donations included in the total parish contribution to the appeal. You do not have to be a churchgoer to donate and you do not have to name a church.

What about poverty in New Zealand?

CWS acknowledges the growing poverty in Aotearoa New Zealand.  Our partner churches support organisations and networks assisting people to achieve their rights to a home, a decent livelihood and to be treated fairly. CWS was specifically established as their overseas agency but wherever possible makes links with poverty here.  The causes are often similar.

There is always more need than anyone can respond to which is one reason why it is important to equip people to advocate for their community. CWS supports community-led development in developing countries so families can feed themselves, protect their environment and live healthier lives free from violence and harm.  We support self-determination, the place of indigenous peoples and the role of women as central to good development.

From time to time we fund visiting speakers and events that help New Zealanders understand what is happening in the world.

You are a Christian organisation so do you only help Christians?

No, we support people of all ethnicities, religious beliefs, genders 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 Partner for Life by making a commitment to giving monthly, or quarterly donations; purchase an ethical gift from the Gifted catalogue for someone special, volunteer, take part in campaigns or organise a special event in your community. Keep an eye on our main site and sign up for our two monthly newsletter CWS Update.

I can’t find my answer

If you have more questions about CWS and the Christmas Appeal please email us directly.

Photo: Rohingya children whose families have found refuge in Bangladesh.   ACT Alliance/Paul Jeffrey.