Thank you Dell Technologies  NZ for donating laptops for our community charities. Shore Junction received 6 laptops to support their youth innovation hub, in Auckland. This will help provide computers for programming and to support innovation, learning and creativity

Together we’ve made Christmas special for more young New Zealanders than ever before

Thank you for supporting United Way NZ and our Christmas Shoebox Project.

The goodwill and generosity of individuals and organisations has resulted in the Shoebox Project 2020 helping more young New Zealanders and their families than ever before. This year, 1556 boxes of gifts where delivered to families in hardship so they had presents to open on Christmas morning. That’s an increase of over 50% on last year.

It’s been an unprecedented year for those working to support our communities. Research conducted by United Way New Zealand earlier this year showed 98% of our not-for-profit and charity partners were affected by the social and economic effects of Covid-19. Most expect the effects to continue for some time yet.

Thank you for joining with the United Way New Zealand whanau across the country to make a significant difference to the lives of so many young New Zealanders and their families.

United Way NZ Christmas Shoebox Project 2020 Snapshot

1556 New Zealanders had something to open this Christmas

40 organisations, groups and individuals donated time and funding

32 community organisations received Shoeboxes to distribute to families/whanau

50% more young New Zealanders received a Shoebox compared with last year

11 New Kiwi organisations welcomed into the Shoebox Project whanau

85 Volunteers nationwide assisted the 2020 Christmas Shoebox Project 

Please see below the list of wonderful and generous individuals and organisations who have provided donations, volunteering and distribution services, to ensure we delivered  Christmas boxes to families in need throughout Aotearoa.

It's been an amazing effort by a collective of people who have shown they really care.
Thank you for helping support families throughout NZ in 2020, roll on 2021!

From the Team at United Way (NZ) Charitable Trust

Aspire Canterbury aims to support people with any impairment or long-term health issues. Aspire aims to help these people get on with their lives, to be able to do what they want and live with freedom and independence. 

Aspire offers a range of services to the Canterbury community, including:

• Free and un-bias disability and health information and advice
• Updates on local and regional events and notices
• Mobile Service Christchurch and the Wider Canterbury region
• Total Mobility Scheme provider
• Attends continence product service
• Range of assistive products that support daily living
• Fieldworkers network meetings

These services are provided to the community by Aspire staff and their volunteers. Each worker at Aspire wants to make sure no person is left unseen. They aim to provide assistance in living and health education to make sure people in need understand the outlets they can turn to in an emergency.

During the Covid-19 lockdown, Aspire Canterbury used their ingenuity to create a safe system to make sure they could still support their community without putting anyone at risk of spreading Covid-19. Aspire worked to deliver food to people's front doors and underwent a big office move to a more safer area. Aspire Canterbury undertook phone consultations and made sure the people in their community still felt supported and looked after.

Aspire Staff Profile:

Nathan is a volunteer at Aspire. Before volunteering for Aspire, Nathan worked in the Gold Coast, Australia running his own roofing business. At the age of 18, Nathan suffered a stroke and had to re-learn to walk. However, he didn't let this beat him. Nathan is currently studying to be a support worker at ARA and working at Aspire Canterbury. Nathan is using his experiences to positively impact lives.

It is amazing workers such as Nathan that make charities such as Aspire sparkle. Thank you Aspire Canterbury for all you do for people in the Canterbury region.

Applications for United Way New Zealand’s 2020 Community Grants will be allocated to Charities in Manawatu, Whanganui, Canterbury, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland in February and March, 2021. The United Way NZ annual grant is a key funding channel for small to medium charities across New Zealand, United Way New Zealand has distributed approximately $12 million dollars to about 650 charities across the country since the grants were launched 45 years’ ago.

United Way New Zealand CEO Teresa Moore says funding is directed to a range of small to medium community-based charities and not-for-profits across the country which are generally New Zealanders’ first port of call when they need help.

“Our aim is to empower every New Zealander to support their communities by making it easy and safe to give” says Moore.

United Way New Zealand donors include philanthropic funds, corporate donors and employees who contribute via workplace giving. A total of 160 individuals and organisations have contributed to this year’s Grant.

“We distribute the generous contributions of our donors to community-based charities without large marketing or fundraising resources inhouse, so it makes a significant impact to their ability to help New Zealanders in need.”

With Covid-19 showing no signs of going away anytime soon, the funding this year is need more than ever. Research conducted by United Way New Zealand earlier this year showed 98% of New Zealand charities have been affected by Covid-19, managing significant rise in demand for their services coupled with a reduction in funding.

Moore says you don’t have to donate a great deal to make a real impact.

“A team of people diverting the cost of a cup of coffee every week through United Way New Zealand’s payroll giving programme adds up to deliver a significant impact to a range community charities across the country, she says.

Applications closed on 31 October. Application criteria and to apply for this year’s Community Grants can be found here.

You can find more about United Way New Zealand’s regular or payroll giving options here.

FAQ's

How many years has UWNZ done this? 

Since 1976

How much funding has been distributed over the years? 

Approximately $12 million

How many charities have received support via this funding? 

Approximately 640 charities

Where does the money come from? 

We have been donation managers for The Tindall Foundation since 1998.  Other donations are from corporates, workplace/payroll giving and individual donors

How much money was distributed last year? 

$513,312

How much money will be distributed this year?

Approximately $490,000 ($240,000 has already been distributed this year from United Way's Covid-19 response fund)

How many people/organisations have contributed to this year's grant amount? 

Approximately 160

How does UWNZ choose grant recipients? 

United Way does an initial check to make sure the charity meets eligibility, if not it's declined. Then we have regional volunteers who visit and assess the remaining charities in November/February then the charities are advised in March.

How do charities apply? 

Annually in October

Several frontline community charities the length of New Zealand are supporting a greater number of New Zealanders manage the effects of Covid-19 thanks to the ingenuity and community spirit of Shimano New Zealand Ltd.

When United Way New Zealand launched our #Unite20 campaign in April to get emergency funding directly to community charities managing a surge in demand for services alongside a reduction in funding channels, Shimano New Zealand stepped up with an exciting proposal. In the spirit of Kiwi mateship and ingenuity, the team decided to donate 5% of all sales across the country during May and June to the #Unite20 Appeal. Just like that, Shimano’s Support your Local initiative was quickly launched.

United Way New Zealand CEO, Teresa Moore says Support Your Local represented everything United Way New Zealand stands for.

“United Way New Zealand’s vision is to provide every New Zealander with the ability to support their community, whether through volunteering, regular payroll giving or one-off donations. By designing a giving initiative including its national customer and stakeholder community, Shimano truly brought our vision to life.”

Shimano New Zealand Marketing Manager, Yvette Johnson, said the team was inspired by United Way New Zealand’s #Unite20 campaign as it directed funding quickly into many frontline community charities across the country.

“We’re a business which operates in communities of all sizes across New Zealand. We were pleased to find a partner with a firm track record in the community sector, which could get funding to the smaller charities working in communities all over the country.”

Shimano’s funding has been distributed to charities and not-for-profits supporting struggling New Zealanders from Kaitaia to Dunedin.

“Our research showed that 98% of New Zealand charities and not-for-profits have been affected by Covid-19. Thanks to the generosity of both individuals and corporate partners such as Shimano, we have raised over $240,000 which is enabling community charities all across the country to continue their critical work at a time when our communities need them the most,”

“Small actions when combined together result in very significant impacts,” says Moore.

The United Way New Zealand #Unite 20 Appeal has been extended until November. If you’d like to join those helping community charities support New Zealanders doing it tough, you can read about the charities and donate here.

At United Way New Zealand we’re partnering with an increasing number of New Zealand businesses looking to maximise the impact of their CSR and community engagement activity. So, we’re excited to announce that Sally O’Brien will be joining the United Way New Zealand whanau as National Partnership Manager.

Sally brings a wealth of experience working in both large private sector organisations and the not-for-profit sector. She began her career in the public sector, moving to roles in managed funds in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Following time out to grow her family, Sally was appointed as Volunteering Auckland’s employee volunteer coordinator where she assisted organisations with their corporate volunteering projects.

Sally is hitting the ground running at United Way New Zealand, getting stuck into helping us and our partners achieve our goal of doubling the number of children who will receive gifts this Christmas via our annual Christmas Shoebox Project. We’re sure you’ll be chatting to Sally soon, but in the meantime here’s the lowdown on United Way New Zealand’s newest team member.

How do you like to start your day?

With tea and a good morning cuddle from my kids. 

What is the best thing about living in New Zealand?

The freedom to roam around different landscapes and the understated kiwi sense of humour.  

What attracted you to United Way NZ?

I was fortunate to spend time with Teresa at a couple of workshops and cross business meetings and was impressed with United Way’s enthusiasm for partnerships with business and the not-for-profit sector. I like how United Way New Zealand has an all-encompassing approach to CSR and a ‘can-do’ attitude.

What is your favourite place in New Zealand?

Garston, Northern Southland 

How do you think organisations can best help New Zealand community charities?

Partnership is a great way to help not-for-profits and charities. Mainly because the benefits gained by both sides, leveraging skills and resources, and impact are best gained through this unique arrangement. It's also the best kind of business where doing good and doing well can work in harmony. 

What is the best advice you ever received?

“Always leave the party when you are having the best time”. My late Mum told me that years ago and, as usual, she was right. Thanks Mum

What was your best day at work ever?

Helping a group of volunteers run a Special Olympics Basketball competition. A lot of the corporate volunteers didn't know the first thing about the rules of basketball and were asked to referee. Once they got over their fear they just jumped in and made sure the kids got their competition day up and running. I think the volunteers actually got more out the day than the kids. It made me realise just how important the helping of others does so much to lift spirits. Something that resonates in the world right now I reckon.  

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am learning how to garden having no real success in the past so starting with apparently ‘no brainers’ like succulents.  This is from someone who can’t grow mint so wish me luck!!

 I like running in the Auckland  Xterra events. My husband and I also enjoy live music and we are looking forward to getting back to seeing bands from New Zealand and abroad soon.

Tea or coffee?

Both! Tea first thing in the morning and coffee before lunchtime

Youthline works with young people, their families and those supporting young people. The organisations are made up of volunteer and paid staff members - and has centres based across the country. 
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Youthline was established in 1970 and forms a collaboration of youth development organisations across the country. They were created to ensure young people know where to get help and can access support when they need it. At the core of Youthline’s work is the development of leadership and personal skills in young people. We do this by involving young people; both those who seek assistance and those who wish to develop themselves.

Youthline have 10 centres around New Zealand. They are located in:

• Invercargill
• Oamaru
• Dunedin
• Central South Island (Office located in Christchurch)
• Wellington
• Palmerston North
• Manukau
• Auckland Central
• West Auckland
• Albany

Youthline works collaboratively to provide a free, nationwide Helpline service. Locally, they all provide different services, programmes and training for our communities.

They have an extremely supportive team that works at making the quality of life for New Zealand communities better. Their team is comprised of partners, volunteers and community helpers that give their time to Youthline.

To find out more about the centres and what each centre provides, Click here

Crescendo is a visionary, unique and professional social enterprise that grows young people between the ages of 12-24 across various satellite hubs across Auckland. They provide services such as sound production, band and music groups and other creative areas. As a social enterprise, Crescendo works to provide opportunities for young people in Aotearoa through a range of commercial services. They generate income through gigs, event management, video and sound production, and integrate this into their programmes. Not only does this provide Crescendo with revenue, but also real-life work experience and income opportunities for their rangatahi. 

Life Matters is building a community that supports young people around New Zealand suffering with anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. 

Navigating the mental health system can be complicated.Research done by Life Matters have found that there are 5 key issues for individuals trying to reach out for help in New Zealand

• Difficulty Accessing Services - Finding a service that has enough room, especially during the spike in mental health issues during the Covid-19 lockdown is a problem for people all around New Zealand

• Lack of Compassion - Many mental health professionals are volunteers and can be overworked, meaning that people needing treatment for mental health do not get the correct attention needed to help overcome mental health issues. 

• Lack of Follow-up - Often, after seeing a mental health professionals, people are just left to go on with life by themselves. Follow-ups are just as important as treatment. 

• Inadequate support for families and loved ones - The mental health system provides no guidance to families who have lost a loved one to suicide. After a suicide, comes grief. Huge, monumental, incomprehensible grief. While navigating this grief a family is also then confronted by the vicious bureaucratic realities of death: funeral expenses, tying up loose ends, debt collection agencies, legal matters and, too often, questions of culpability.

• Stigma - seeking health can be difficult for anybody, especially when there is a stigma around mental health issues and seeking help. We should be committed to ending the stigma surrounding suicide and mental illness. If we, as a society, can talk loudly about these issues that affect so many of us, then these barriers to support can be broken down.

Each of these key issues have been identified by Life Matters as reasons for individuals not truely getting the help they need. 

Last week we called Rebecca from Just Zilch to have a chat to her about how Just Zilch has grown from its outset to become the biggest free food store in New Zealand!

How did Just Zilch Start?

Just Zilch started because I was volunteering at another organisation that had leftover food. I got permission to give that food away around town. I found I was always really busy and people were responding to it. I then found out about the concept of a food store and though that was a great idea seeing as that was what I was basically doing! I took that idea and over the next 9 months developed it and found a team that were wanting to work with me. In June 2011 we opened?

How has Just Zilch changed?

The growth has been unbelievable. In the first year we were serving around 80 people a day. Now, we have over 300 people come through the shop a day. The sheer numbers have drastically increased. This has meant we rely on a whole lot more on volunteers.

What challenges have to Covid-19 lockdown presented?

Because we were not clarified as an essential service, we worked with other social services such as the Salvation army and Methodist food banks and gave them the food we collected, and they put it into packs that were then delivered to households. This provided some

 relief to families that were low on food.

What are your plans for the future of the food bank?

It has been really amazing because, over the lockdown period, we got more food than we ever had before. Particularly in terms of non-perishable food. This is very exciting because we have been able upscale the other part of what we do which is keep food in our warehouse which we acquired last year. This meas. We have been able to give food to other community organisations. Whanganui, Levin, Rotorua, Hawkes bay and even the South Island! We have had the help of very generous transport companies such as PBT helping us with this.

What are the guidelines around donating food?

There are no rules really. We are set up to take perishable foods. If people have food from their garden like fruits and vegetables, we are able to take them. If people are cleaning out their cupboards and are able to donate it, we will take those kinds of things too. Even if businesses want to donate bigger lots of food we are able to take that too!

What is your volunteer process?

It is really, really easy! We now have a volunteer coordinator as we have to many volunteers!

We ask people to email or come in and see the volunteer coordinator.

What are the volunteer’s responsibilities?

It depends what they’re doing. We have around 110 volunteers every week. We have a shop so in the morning some duties include cleaning, collecting food. When the shop opens, we need shopkeepers/servers.