Charities brace for surge in demand ahead of winter

Charities are bracing for an expected surge in demand as the onset of winter, and growing fears recent legislative changes may increase rents, place additional stress on families.

To help address the increase in need, The Trusts (a social enterprise that derives its funding from its hospitality and retail operations) is committing over $1 million to charities and local groups over the next 12 months.

The Trusts say the pandemic has changed the face of need in New Zealand and their model is being adapted to ensure charitable organisations can continue to provide structured support where it is most needed.

Allan Pollard, The Trusts CEO, says Christmas, the start of the school year and winter are the three most difficult times of the year for families managing their budgets.

“For many Kiwi families, the arrival of winter signals a new round of financial pressure that they are often ill-equipped to bear.

“The cost of new clothing, bedding and just staying warm over winter will see many families having to make choices that may risk compromising their health – whether it is through changing their nutritional intake or even sacrificing a visit to the doctor.

“At the same time, the spectre of potential rent increases as a result of changes in our legal environment creates uncertainty and stress.

“While some tenants may have the option to move house if their rent is increased, for many even the expense of shifting house creates another cost they simply cannot afford.

“Sadly it is some of the most vulnerable in our community that live continuously on the threshold of financial hardship – struggling from week to week,” he says.

Allan says the Your West Support Fund will offer funding of up to $20,000 for each community cause that applies and meets their criteria. The first round of funding will open in July, with a second-round planned for February-March next year.

“In addition to helping local charities continue their work at the coal face, we recognise that there are other segments of the community that could benefit from additional financial support.

“We want to provide a model that is as as flexible as possible at a time when need has evolved and so many more in our community are turning to charities for support,” he says.

Allan says in addition to the Your West Support Fund, The Trusts will also open expressions of interest for major grants later in the year.

He says this is expected to see hundreds of thousands of dollars provided in grants and sponsorships for community projects.

Charities, schools, and community groups that support the West Auckland region and are interested in applying for funding through the Your West Support Fund or the major grants expressions of interest should contact The Trusts for more information. Does your charitable organisation need assistance?

How could The Fringe help you? Get in touch by email (info@ fringemedia.co.nz).

A voice for the Ranges

Westie artist and conservationist John Edgar recently died.

I first met John over 20 years ago. He was at the forefront of many environmental groups and was the long term leader of the Waitākere Ranges Protection Society. He had a deep and abiding love for the Waitākere Ranges.

John had a keen scientific brain as well as immense artistic talent. He devised a process that allowed his partner, Anne Robinson, another exceptionally gifted artist, to construct extraordinary glass pieces and cool them safely.

His organisation prompted the then Commissioner for the Environment Morgan Williams to conclude that the Waitākere Ranges was facing death by a thousand cuts and that the only protection was legislative change.

He cajoled, urged, pleaded and eventually persuaded Waitākere Council to submit the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Bill to Parliament which was passed into law in 2008.

After it passed I had the opportunity to present John with a framed copy of the Act. John had this wonderful response about “in case of emergency break glass”.

Since that time I have had regular contact with John. Emails from him tended to appear at 7am. Clearly the first thing he did every day was address issues concerning the protection of the Waitākere Ranges. As the issues appeared he was at the forefront of advocacy for action and change. As an example he championed action about kauri dieback. His positions were always science based.

His greatest strength was his ability to nurture and grow a diverse network of talented people and get them to contribute to the protection of the Waitākere Ranges.

A funny thing has happened about the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act. Originally the proposal was very contentious. Nowadays the vast majority of Westies cherish living in the Heritage Area and support action to maintain it.

John will be missed. The Waitākere Ranges are in much better shape because of him.

Greg Presland | Local Board Chair Waitākere Ranges Local Board

021 998 411 Greg.presland@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz