Charities Brace for Surge in Demand
Charities are bracing for a surge in demand ahead of winter and growing fears that legislative changes may lead to rent hikes.
The Trusts has pledged more than $1 million to charities and community groups this year despite facing an uncertain trading environment itself.
The social enterprise, funded by hospitality and retail operations, said it was adapting its model after the pandemic had changed the face of need in New Zealand.
The Trusts chief executive officer Allan Pollard said Christmas, the start of the school year and winter were 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," he said.
"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 rents increase as a result of changes in the macro-environment creates uncertainty and stress.
“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,” Pollard said.
The Your West Support Fund would offer funding of up to $20,000 for each community cause that meets their criteria, he said.
The first round of funding kicks off in July with a second round planned for about February 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. "
The Trusts will also open expressions of interest for major grants later in the year, he said.
Live Q&A: Garden maintenance with Crewcut
This Wednesday, we're having another Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with John Bracewell from Crewcut.
John Bracewell, former Black Caps coach turned Franchisee Development Manager and currently the face of Crewcut’s #Movember campaign, knows a thing or two about keeping the grass looking sharp—whether it’s on a cricket pitch or in your backyard!
As a seasoned Crewcut franchisee, John is excited to answer your lawn and gardening questions. After years of perfecting the greens on the field, he's ready to share tips on how to knock your garden out of the park. Let's just say he’s as passionate about lush lawns as he is about a good game of cricket!
John is happy to answer questions about lawn mowing, tree/hedge trimming, tidying your garden, ride on mowing, you name it! He'll be online on Wednesday, 27th of November to answer them all.
Share your question below now ⬇️
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.9% 1st December
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17.7% A week before Christmas
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32.6% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
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