Thames-Coromandel District Council’s Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund opened on Friday and already $30,000 has been received in a “generous” donation from Trust Waikato.
“We’re fortunate to have agencies like Trust Waikato that support our district and our communities and we’re extremely grateful for this financial contribution in a time where there are many other areas around the country in grave need for support as well,” Mayor Len Salt said.
“We’re also grateful to the government for funding an initial contribution of $100,000 to the Mayoral Relief Fund to help flood affected communities in our district.
“This is the start of a raft of assistance packages we’re seeking as work through recovery of these extreme weather events.”
Trust Waikato manages investments from the sale of shares of Trust Bank Waikato and uses a portion of the profits each year to support community groups and projects throughout Waikato region.
The Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund is open to Thames-Coromandel District Council residents, ratepayers or small business owners, and not-for-profit organisations who have suffered financial hardship because of damages caused by the Cyclone Gabrielle weather event.
The fund may be used to support and meet the needs of affected individuals, families, community organisations, small businesses and marae.
It can be used to provide financial support for: cleaning debris from properties where people are uninsured or underinsured; supporting individuals/families faced with hardships as a result of the emergency; assisting small businesses impacted by the emergency; assisting people with basic needs, household goods and personal items where the individual/family is uninsured or underinsured; assisting with insurance excess payments.
The aim of the fund is to help towards alleviating the emotional and financial stress experienced by individuals and families as a result of the event. The fund provides one off assistance for extraordinary circumstances, where a real need can be shown, council said.
“The fund is a last resort measure when people have exhausted other appropriate sources such as Work and Income New Zealand, EQC and other government agencies.”
The closing date for applying to the fund is March 10, 2023.
“Once closed, all applications will be assessed and available funds will be allocated proportionately to applicants that meet the criteria,” council said. “The amount available to each applicant that meets the criteria is $1,000 or $2,500. The amount granted will depend on the circumstances of the applicant.”
How to apply:
Online – fill in the online form on the TCDC website
Email – Send applications and supporting information by email to customer.services@tcdc.govt.nz with ‘Mayoral Disaster Relief Fund Application’ in the subject line.
If you require assistance, please call 07 8680200 and speak to a o TCDC customer service personnel or drop in to one of the council service centres or public libraries.
Donating to Coromandel communities:
If you would like to donate to help our communities, please use TCDC’s dedicated bank account below:
01-0455-0090620-02
Particulars: Your phone number
Reference: ReliefFund
