Suspension of applications to the Mayor's Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund

The Mayor’s Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund, which provides assistance to Christchurch residents experiencing financial difficulties from the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, has suspended applications to the fund due to an overwhelming number of requests.

Councillor Helen Broughton, Chairperson of the Mayor’s Welfare Fund Charitable Trust which administers the fund, says, “We have received more than 1300 request for assistance since we publicised the fund in late January 2011. Regrettably, the trust has had to make the decision to suspend applications.”

“However, there is still huge need out there in the community – families and individuals face real hardship due to the effects of the earthquakes, and donations to the Mayor’s Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund would be welcomed,” she says.

NOTE:

The Mayor’s Welfare Earthquake Relief Fund provides assistance to individuals or families experiencing financial difficulties due to the earthquakes. This fund is separate from the Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund which provides funding toward projects that contribute to the rebuilding of the social and physical infrastructure of Christchurch following the earthquakes.

The Mayor’s Welfare Fund Charitable Trust is tasked with the distribution of grants from the Mayor’s Welfare Earthquake Relief fund. A subcommittee of the trust considers applications, and representatives from Christchurch Methodist Mission, Pacific Island Evaluation and Age Concern are involved.

The Mayor’s Welfare Fund Charitable Trust includes representatives from Christchurch City Mission, Christchurch Methodist Mission, Catholic Social Services, Salvation Army, PEETO, Pacific Island Evaluation, Age Concern Canterbury, Prisoners Aid, Work and Income and Presbyterian Support Services.

For more information visit: http://www.ccc.govt.nz/MayorsWelfareEarthquakeReliefFund.aspx