Our generous community

By Petrina Wright | Posted: Friday June 30, 2023

No one can go it alone, and Presbyterian Support Southland (PSS) is no exception.

PSS receives government funding to run some of its Family Works programmes but, being a charity, PSS relies on corporate sponsorship, the work of volunteers and grants from community funders to meet any additional needs its families and elderly residents may have, make their lives easier or simply to brighten their day.

“I’d like to acknowledge and extend a huge thank you to all our regular donors and volunteers,” PSS chief executive Matt Russell said.

“Their ongoing support and contributions have a big impact on the lives of many individuals and families across Southland, and it is their support that enables PSS to amplify its services and support where it is needed most.”

It is also regular donations from the general public, community organisations and church groups which make all the difference to the communities PSS supports.

There are many examples of this generosity, big and small.

From the thoughtful gesture of XO Church to treat our dedicated, hardworking Family Works staff to hot coffee and slices from its coffee cart last year, to First Church members regularly providing fresh foods from their Harvest Market for Family Works’ families, to Grey Power knitting ladies, Knit Wits and a number of individuals who regularly knit children’s clothing and blankets for Family Works’ families, they all make a difference.

A recent example was a group from City Impact Church which cleaned up the homes and sections of two Family Works’ families.

One of the recipients responded – “I would like to thank you and your team for the amazing help…with my overgrown section. The difference made has been a marvellous transformation that I would have been unable to achieve myself.”

On occasion, Family Works also receives complimentary tickets from businesses, Rotary clubs and other organisations for its families to attend shows and events such as ILT Kidzone, sporting events like a Sharks basketball home game and city facilities such as Splash Palace.

Our staff love passing these treats on to the families they are working with, families who are experiencing hardships or challenges.

Then there are the families of our Enliven care home residents who donate items to the care home of their relative. Items such as televisions, electric wheelchairs and furniture.

And, the community groups, school groups, musicians and other volunteers who give up their time to regularly visit our care homes and entertain our residents.

There are many other examples of how the community supports the work of PSS. Our apologies if we have not mentioned you all by name, but please be assured, your kind donations and continued support of PSS is greatly appreciated by us and the communities we support.

We couldn’t do it without you.