25th of March, 2021
After the year we’ve had, Aviva cannot express our thanks enough to those who have stepped up to support us. Thanks to the generosity of donors like you, we have been able to expand our services to help us meet increased demand.
Covid response funding from the Ministry of Social Development and Lotteries allowed us to introduce two new staff to manage the increased demand from the pandemic – a Crisis Intervention Support Worker and 0800 Support Line Worker. These roles offer immediate access to advice and advocacy, and provide much needed interim support to those on our waitlist.
The Tindall Foundation is funding a new programme called “Seuga,” made for and by Pasifika peoples and aimed at tackling the increased rates of family violence in Pasifika communities owing to Covid.
An increase in contract support from the Ministry of Social Development and Oranga Tamariki has also allowed us to expand our Sexual Assault Support Service Canterbury (SASSC) and children’s and youth services respectively. We have rented and kit out an inviting new space at Phillipstown Community Hub for our Tamariki Group and Seuga, thanks to the support of numerous individuals and groups like The Dream Trust and The Christchurch Aunties. Although these funds and donations were not specifically aimed at combatting the impact of Covid, they are essential for ensuring the trauma of violence within the pandemic is not passed to the next generations.
We would also like to make note of all the generous supporters who donated gifts to our Christmas campaign last December, making it one of the best in recent memory!
We are incredibly thankful for all the support we have received. Although the demand persists and the impact of Covid is sure to be felt for years to come, everything you do helps make the journey a little easier.