New Emergency Response Fund
This Timaru District Council and the Aoraki Foundation have partnered to establish an emergency response fund that will activate in the event of a local emergency.
Extreme weather events are happening more often than they used to, in the district and around the country. When disaster strikes people from the region, the country, and sometimes the world want to lend a hand to help those in need. The South Canterbury Emergency Response Fund has been established to provide an easy and efficient way to support South Canterbury after an emergency event.
“We chose to partner with the Aoraki Foundation to lead our emergency relief fundraising so Council can get on with the task at hand after an emergency event, restoring infrastructure, and core services,” Timaru District Mayor, Nigel Bowen.
Nigel continues, “During the 2021 flood we activated the Mayoral Relief Fund, which we were able to distribute to help affected property owners. However there were a lot of fundraising options available. Joining forces with The Aoraki Foundation will mean there will now be a single source for donations towards response, relief, and recovery.”
A recent report by Philanthrophy New Zealand emphasises the importance of early preparation and funding to support communities in preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters. It highlights the need for a flexible approach to grantmaking during disasters and the need to hold strong community relationships due to the unpredictable and evolving nature of such events.
The South Canterbury Emergency Response Fund is set up to do just that, providing a single point of contact for donations as well as using the Aoraki Foundation’s local distribution committees to ensure the timely delivery of grants to those most in need. Distributions from the fund will not be made directly to individuals. Instead, it will fund service providers that will assist individuals, for example, Arowhenua Services, Te Aitarakihi, Multicultural Aoraki, Salvation Army, Family Works, Red Cross, Rural Support Trust, and Student Volunteer Army.
Aoraki Foundation Chief Executive Richard Spackman said, "Establishing a South Canterbury relief fund is crucial because it embodies our community’s enduring spirit of giving and support. Setting up a fund like this takes time and effort, but it is essential to ensure that we can respond swiftly and effectively when emergencies strike.”
Aoraki Foundation Chairperson Greg Anderson adds, "Building a robust relief fund is about more than just raising money; it’s about fostering a culture of generosity and preparedness within our community. This initiative will provide a reliable source of support for people in need, ensuring that no one is left behind during difficult times.”