Published on 5th of June, 2024
The notion of being the support that individuals, households and communities need and want is at the heart of the Mission’s work.
“Our Community Response initiatives are all about being there for people with what they need,” says Community Division Manager Andrea Wilson-Tukaki. “We refer to these initiatives as ‘core programmes’ because they speak directly to the Mission’s vision of “a just and inclusive society in which all people flourish.’”
Among our longstanding core programmes are group programmes for adults (WomanWise and Men on a Mission) and for children (ACES and Wise-Up), school workers, and Aratupu Whānau Support.
More recently the division has added the Blanket Bank, Pasifika Mamas Group, and Recreate Clothing Swap & Mend events to their portfolio of ongoing projects.
“None of these projects is funded by government contract; all of them rely exclusively on grant income and the donations of our supporters,” says Andrea. “I’d like to acknowledge the Christchurch City Council, Rātā Foundation, The Tindall Foundation, David Ellison Charitable Trust, Jones Foundation, Maurice Carter Charitable Trust, and the NZ Lottery Grants Board, for their support over the years.”
While certain bodies have regularly funded our core programmes, funding is never certain. “It is the recurring monthly donations from our wonderful Mission Partners that enable us to plan ahead and to secure continuity for our core programmes,” says Andrea. “A heartfelt thanks to all of you!”
With more households needing more support because of the current economic condition, we are inviting one-off donors to help us take the strain off whānau that are living with daily hardship by becoming a Mission Partner.