ALDEN WILLIAMS/STUFF
Vicki-Anne Parker runs charity NZ Gifts of Love & Strength from the former site of Central New Brighton School, but has to find a new premises soon as the site has been sold for housing.
A Christchurch charity founded the day after the March 15 terror attack may close if it cannot find a new home. Vicki-Anne Parker – founder of NZ Gifts of Love & Strength, which was established on March 16, 2019 – says the group’s future is in doubt because the land where it is based is about to be sold. Parker and a small team of volunteers provide care packages to victims of recent severe traumatic events and welcome packages to refugee families arriving into Christchurch.
STACY SQUIRES/STUFF
Phillipstown Community Centre Charitable Trust manager Dr Viviana Zanetti is concerned about what will happen to the community facility when the current lease expires in December.
The future of a community hub on the site of an earthquake-damaged Christchurch school remains uncertain as its lease comes up for renewal. Ten organisations and 45 casual groups use the Phillipstown Community Hub on Nursery Rd, which opened six years ago. About 850 people attended classes, social activities, health and fitness programmes and support meetings there each week.
Phillipstown Community Centre Charitable Trust leases the site and manages the various rooms and outdoor spaces. It pays costs but is not required to pay rent to the Ministry of Education.