The Community Governance Team routinely work in with the Community Funding Team, and recent discussions have suggested the opportunity to highlight with schools and other relevant sectors of the community the Mayor's Welfare Fund. This fund provides assistance to families and individuals in our community who are in extreme financial distress.

The Mayor's Welfare Fund works with other helping agencies in the city and can provide assistance on a one-off basis where real needs can be shown. It is a last resort when people have exhausted other appropriate sources such as Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ).

The fund criteria are that:

• It is only available for Christchurch City residents.
• As every applicant's circumstances are unique and the criteria for different categories of assistance vary, applicants need to contact the Mayor's Welfare Administrator.
• The fund has a limited amount of funding categories with which it can assist applicants and criteria on levels of assistance apply.
• The fund can only assist once in a twelve-month period.

Applications can be made by phoning through on 0800 800 169. Staff will take down the details of the application and send a confirmation email for the applicant to reply to with all the required documentation:

• A form of identification, such as Driver's Licence or Community Services Card.
• If available, a letter from Work and Income NZ or Study Link stating that assistance is available or unavailable.
• Current bank statement/s including name and transactions to use as proof of financial hardship.
• If in employment, a copy of your last two payslips.
• Evidence of need, such as an invoice for goods, electricity bill, letter from landlord etc.

School principals may apply on behalf of students to the Mayor's Welfare Fund's Child Enrichment Fund for grants to help students participate in extra-curricular activities they would otherwise miss out on due to exceptional circumstances of severe hardship.

Donations: If you have an inquiry with regards to donating to this charitable trust, please email all details to mwf@ccc.govt.nz and the team will contact you.