NZ Gifts of Love and Strength volunteers Lynette Hill (left), Rafia Chaudry, founder Vicki-Anne Parker and Jessica Campbell-Beardsell have sold hundreds of face masks to get by after the charity’s funding was denied. Photo: Geoff SloanVolunteers at a Christchurch-based charity that provides crucial support to those experiencing traumatic events have resorted to selling face masks to stay afloat. NZ Gifts of Love and Strength started selling handmade, affordable face masks when their application for Government funding of $15,000 was declined by the Community Organisation Grants Scheme. Founder Vicki-Anne Parker said they were not expecting the full amount, but anything was "better than nothing". "One of the fathers from the Vivian St fire lost his only child and helped make face masks for us to pay it forward.”

Source: Otago Daily Times September 07, 2020 04:18 UTC