Mayoral fund gives to aid agency

Anne-Marie Emerson | 10th March 2010

Moved by the plight of Wanganui's poorest children, Wanganui Mayor Michael Laws yesterday handed over a $10,000 cheque to Christian Social Services.

The money came from the mayoral relief fund and is part of a partnership between the Wanganui District Council and Christian Social Services that began in October last year.

Mr Laws told Christian Social Services he would match the money they raised dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.

He said he was motivated by the thought of children suffering.

"I don't have much sympathy for adults - if you got yourself into that predicament [where you need to go to the foodbank] that's your fault.

"But children shouldn't have to go through hunger pangs, and unfortunately we have too many children like this in Wanganui for comfort."

Mr Laws praised the work of Christian Social Services, saying they were making a "visible difference" to the community.

"This is practical Christian charity."

Chair of Christian Social Services, Gene Lawrence, said he was grateful to both the council and the Wanganui public for their support.

But he said the need for money did not stop there.

"This $10,000 will keep us going for three months if we're lucky.

"The great thing about this partnership is that it doesn't stop here. I've been impressed with the council's willingness to help out."

Mr Lawrence said Christian Social Services was not about "just hand-outs".

"We want to empower people to help themselves."