Mayor launches new fund to support women
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Mayor Lianne Dalziel has marked the 125th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote by launching the Women’s Fund at a special event at the former home of suffragist Kate Sheppard.
The Women's Fund has been set up by The Christchurch Foundation to help raise money to support girls and women in Christchurch who are heavily involved with affecting change in their communities.
Mayor Lianne Dalziel
“This fund will help support women and girls who are following in the footsteps of Kate Sheppard and other pioneering Christchurch women in trying to affect positive change in their communities,” Mayor Dalziel says.
“On this, the 125th anniversary of New Zealand women becoming the first in the world to win the right to vote, I'm delighted to launch this fund which will help ensure women in Christchurch build on the legacy of the original suffragists and continue to make a difference.
“I believe the fund is truly a wonderful way to honour those courageous women who we recognise on the anniversary of women's suffrage,” the Mayor says.
Amy Carter, establishment chief executive of The Christchurch Foundation, says the Women's Fund recognises that Christchurch has long been a place where women have championed for change.
“Today, women and girls in Christchurch continue to act as a powerful force in our city. Currently, women fill a high percentage of key leadership roles within Christchurch. We also know that significant numbers of women and girls are working hard at a grassroots level.
“Often, like Kate Sheppard and her peers, the impact of these community leaders can be amplified when supported by others.”
The first grants from the Women's Fund will be issued in 2019. Those wanting to contribute to the fund can do so by contacting Jodie Shaw on 027 620 3208 or emailing her at jodie@christchurchfoundation.org.nz.
The Christchurch Foundation offers corporate and individual donors a citywide vehicle that will make it easier to contribute to and support a wide range of activities and projects that will provide betterment for Christchurch people.