Hawke’s Bay charities have been busier than ever throughout winter and household goods conduit Christian Lovelink Napier/Hastings Inc. is no exception.
As one of Hawke’s Bay’s most relied upon charitable organisations, Christian Lovelink faces mounting challenges – operational costs have doubled in the last five years against a ballooning demand for assistance.
Hawke’s Bay Foundation has supported Christian Lovelink with over $13,000 in grants in the previous few years, to help stem rising operational costs. When Cyclone Gabrielle struck, the Foundation helped them keep up with demand and kept their delivery truck’s rubber on the road, with a $40,000 grant through our Cyclone Relief Fund to offer further support during the cyclone recovery.
Ian Jones is the backbone of the household goods charity and with a volunteer base of mainly pension aged helpers, he admits the heavylifting is not just physical.
“Over the last 12 months alone we’ve seen demand rise by over 25 percent. Cyclone Gabrielle forced many of our clientele into transitional housing with little to no household items, that’s where we come in. Our team of 40 volunteers have put in over 10 thousand man hours and assisted over one thousand families in the past year.
“Donations of goods has slowed and there used to be an expectation that we would help, now people are more grateful.”
Christian Lovelink’s significant increase in demand for help is coming from pensioners ages 65 and older, a worrying trend being seen throughout the country.
Ian Jones says the ongoing housing shortage, rental crisis and cost of living crisis are key drivers for why seniors are seeking help.
“There are multiple factors, but the biggest impact comes down to housing affordability.”
Most of Jones’ elderly client referrals come through Hawke’s Bay Hospital and Age Concern.
“Older people who are on fixed incomes or totally reliant on superannuation payments are struggling to make ends meet.”
Hawke’s Bay Foundation is proud to support this incredible organisation as they work tirelessly to care for so many in our region, young and old. If you would like to support the work they do, contact us today.
