Te Whai Trust needs support to continue work

The purpose of the Te Whai Community Trust Mangawhai is to be the first point of contact to direct people with specific needs to the services they require, acting as a beacon towards safe harbour for all who seek help and advice.

Trust partners work with and alongside existing organisations and have access to existing educational and support programmes.

One of the organisations’ ongoing endeavours is to provide food parcels to needy families who are referred from other agencies such as Geneva Healthcare, Women’s Refuge and Helping Hands. For example, during the Christmas period, thanks to generous sponsorship and community support, the Trust distributed 25 Aroha baskets to feed hungry local families.

“This need is ongoing,” says Trust head Sue Poynter. “In order to sustain this service the Trust is seeking support from local businesses in the form of a small monthly sponsorship to allow the purchase of goods that are not otherwise donated.”

Aroha baskets contain basic foodstuffs along with invitations to attend budgeting classes, the means to access services such as the community gardens, and simple recipes to feed a family with the ingredients included. The aim is not only to support those in crisis but also to assist them towards being self-supporting in the future. This initial contact also allows the opportunity to offer other services that may be helpful.

Te Whai is a registered Charitable Trust run by volunteers dependent on grants, sponsorship and donations to provide desperately needed services.

“It is the continued financial support from businesses and individuals who are committed to, and care about, the Mangawhai area that will keep our people and our community healthy and safe,” says Sue.

n Thanks for your help. If you can make a tax deductible monthly donation of $20 or more, please contact 021 685 851 or email tewhaitrust@gmail.com. On Facebook Te Whai Community Trust Mangawhai.