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.
What workplace change would you like to see most?
This coming Monday is Labour Day in New Zealand. This public holiday marks when the eight-hour workday and 48-hour workweek became law in 1899. The idea started with Samuel Parnell, a carpenter in Wellington, who in 1840 refused to work more than eight hours a day. Since skilled workers were in short supply, his employer had to agree.
As more skilled workers arrived, employers tried to change working conditions, but Parnell and others kept pushing for better rights. In 1890, Parnell led a Labour Day parade of 1,500 people to promote the eight-hour day. He passed away shortly after, and nine years later, Labour Day became an official public holiday.
Do you feel that we have reached the ideal in working environments yet? What rights are you passionate about relating to employment? Share your thoughts!
Labour Day Shop Hours
Red Cross Shop Henderson is open on the 28th October Labour Day!
Come visit us at:
435 Great North, Henderson
Monday to Sunday
9:00am to 5:00pm
Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
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