WHO WE ARE
Our vision is to empower our community to prosper
We are a charitable trust run by people with a passion to serve families and individuals living in the Eastern Christchurch suburbs who are experiencing financial hardship. We do this through a financial plan of action, educational money management courses, minor repairs, also community care programs.
Compassion Trust is run by a team supported by a number of sponsors and volunteers. We are based in New Brighton & Phillipstown Christchurch with offices based at the Grace Vineyard Church. All our services are offered free of charge.
OUR STORY—so far…
Established in 2003, Initially founders Mike and Chris Thomas hosted community meals at the Grace Vineyard Church building in Ferry Road, with 33 people attending the first meal.
Over time, the popularity of these events grew as the community came to appreciate the love, encouragement and support.
By 2007, around 200 guests attended seven events held annually, culminating with a Christmas meal attended by 450 people.
In 2006, Compassion Trust began to personally deliver school lunches to low income families.
By 2009, school lunches (with home-baked cookies) were being delivered to 47 families each week, feeding 150 children.
A key role of the Trust is matching up the needs of the community with willing volunteers who love serving in practical ways.
Following the February 2011 earthquake, the Trust undertook a community need assessment project to fully understand the needs of the eastern suburb. It became clear that high demand existed for a community based free budget advice service. After much planning, recruiting, training and networking and building relationships with local support organizations, Compassion Trust Budget Advice Service was established on the 7th October 2012.
As a budget service we became affiliated with The New Zealand Federation of Family Budgeting Service (Now FINCAP) in August 2013.
All of our financial mentors go through a period of training and supervision and are required to do ongoing training each year.
THE TEAM
We have a committed team of staff and volunteers across all our services.
Manager – Anne Addei
Financial Mentors – Anne Addei, Maria Penny, Susan Watson, Chris Johnson, Angela Matthews, Samantha Orchard and Madeline Short.
Educational Money Coaches – Anne Addei, Samantha Orchard and Maria Penny
Office Administrator – Susan Watson
Accounts – Angela Matthews
+ A committed group of volunteers who assist with the beach Community Care Programmes held at Grace Vineyard Beach Campus 111 Seaview Rd, New Brighton during the week.
+ A committed group of volunteers who assist with Hands of Compassion, serving the community by helping in practical ways ie gardening (criteria applies)
BUDGET SERVICE STAFF & VOLUNTEERS
Anne
Manager, Financial Mentor & Money Coach
(Affiliate FINCAP Inc)
I am passionate about supporting people and walking alongside them as we journey life together. I have 2 adult sons who have become independent and finding their way in life.
Financial freedom changes peoples life’s and being involved with Compassion Trust has given me the opportunity to work alongside amazing people and see people work towards their long term goals.
Maria
Financial Mentor
(Affiliate FINCAP Inc)
I have lived in North New Brighton since moving to Christchurch over 30 years ago. My husband and I have brought up three children over this time who are all adults, now living independent lives. We have three grandchildren. I love getting out in the sunshine especially if it’s to do gardening. I also love to read and enjoy cooking fruit and vegetables grown in the garden.
Susan
Administrator & Financial Mentor
(Affiliate FINCAP Inc.)
I love being part of the Compassion Trust team. Finances can be stressful so I enjoy supporting people as they work toward managing their money well to fit their lifestyle and goals.
I am married to Joseph and we have two daughters. As a family we enjoy getting outdoors together and exploring our beautiful country.
Sam
Financial Mentor
(Affiliate FINCAP inc.)
I would love to support people through this somewhat tricky journey to find financial certainty. I feel it’s important to empower and equip people to find ways to meet their needs and take control of their finances.
I am married with two awesome children and will probably bump into you while we’re out and about in New Brighton. I’m excited to be part of the Compassion Trust team and look forward to walking along side our fabulous community in the east.
Angela
Accounts & Financial Mentor
(Affiliate FINCAP inc.)
I am married with two children, one studying in Palmerston North and one still at home.
Over the years we have had several businesses which have given me an understanding of the stress financial uncertainty can cause. It is therefore a privilege to be part of the team at Compassion Trust equipping people to take control of their finances, and allowing them to have fresh hope for the future.
Chris
Financial Mentor Volunteer
(Affiliate FINCAP Inc.)
My wife and I moved to New Zealand 2 years ago and are part of Grace Vineyard. I’ve worked as a financial adviser for 25 years (in the UK) and feel that I will be able to use this experience to help my local community.
I enjoy helping clients get the best deal and to help them build a realistic and sustainable financial plan. Outside work I enjoy most sports particularly football (with the round ball) although I’m starting to get into the oval ball version too!
Madeline
Financial Mentor Volunteer
(in training)
Kia ora, my favourite part of this mahi is the privilege of getting to hear the stories of whānau and being able to work alongside them to see practical change in their lives.
I am married with two young boys. My background is in Youth Development but in 2022, I started working as a Whānau Ora Navigator. This is the mahi I love as I get to serve both young people and whānau together. I believe it is so much better to work alongside/view whānau as a whole instead of just the individual that may be sitting in front of me.
When I’m not working, I’m usually doing something that involves food – sharing a meal with friends & family or baking some yum.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Gill Newman
I am involved in the Compassion Trust Board as I am committed to helping people find financial freedom. I started out by training as a Financial Mentor and did this work for 3 years. The changes that I saw in clients was very rewarding and being in a position to advocate for clients as well as helping them understand how money matters work is life changing for them. In 2017, I became a Board Member.
I believe that everyone is capable of dealing with their household finances and Compassion Trust help their clients to achieve this.
My background has been in Education for 20 years and now is in Business and Property Investment. I have built up many skills over these years in business and I’m keen to help Compassion Trust by sharing my knowledge and working with the Staff, Volunteers and other Trustees to ensure Compassion Trust can continue its work in the Community for many years to come.
Tony Walter
My background is in sales/marketing. It’s such a privilege to serve as a trustee on the Compassion Trust board. I’m constantly amazed by the difference that our staff and volunteers are making in the lives of our clients.
It’s been rewarding and inspiring to support Anne and the team as they walk alongside people taking steps toward financial freedom. When household finances are a struggle it affects almost every area of life, especially on family relationships and mental health. Hearing the stories of clients that have taken courageous steps, learned new skills and broken long term spending habits in order to get back in control of their finances is what it’s all about for me.
I’m very proud of our team and all the life-changing work they do.
Clark Alcock
My name is Clark Alcock and I have served as a trustee of Compassion Trust for the last few years.
I have a long history of serving in pastoral care ministry, and I love seeing people from all walks of life, flourish and create greater opportunities for their families and local communities.
Through working together and assisting those in need, we have the potential to see the compassion of God bring life to all people, so I am thrilled to be in partnership with other volunteers of Compassion Trust, who also carry this vision.
Phil Roulston
Now in my late seventies I am pleased to be able to continue to give back to the city in which I live. Compassion Trust allows me to do this. I have been a trustee for the past eight years. I have personally experienced redundancy and a debilitating illness; on each occasion living on a benefit for a year. I know what it’s like to be stressed and anxious trying to manage financially. For the last twelve years of full time work I worked for a budgeting organisation. It was rewarding and humbling. I’m pleased I can continue this with Compassion Trust.
Peter Griffioen
Being an organisation that I believe in, it made sense to join the Compassion Trust team. It is with genuine commitment and clear intent that they make a positive difference by getting alongside people, empowering them to improve their own living situation. This often means better outcomes and a greater sense of wellbeing for those they work with. Hearing direct feedback from clients who have experienced real change from the support of our team of budget mentors and volunteers is an inspiration in itself. Likewise, being part of a dynamic team from board members through to our frontline workers is a real honour – long may this mission continue!
COMMUNITY GATHERING VOLUNTEERS
Gill & Marilyn
Coffee & Chat Volunteers
We enjoy running Coffee and Chat every Wednesday for the community and we like to be able to help and assist people whenever we can and if we cannot help them, we point them in the right direction.
We both enjoy forming friendships with the people who attend and getting to know them.
Sharron
Coffee & Chat Volunteer
It is a privilege to be Jesus’ hands and feet.
I enjoy the company.
Norm
Coffee & Chat Volunteer
I enjoy volunteering with Compassion Trust as I like to help people who are in need and It is about supporting them and getting alongside them as we work as team.
This is a great organisation which helps so many in the community in a practical way. I used to struggle with anxiety but through volunteering I feel like I have changed in a positive way.
Heather & John
Community Lunch Volunteers
We love what Compassion Trust does and what the trust stands for. I felt prompted by God to talk to Anne about cooking a meal for the community once a fortnight. We felt there was a need in the area. Because God has gifted me in this way with cooking skills I wanted to use this gift He has given me. Isaiah 58 spoke to me about sharing our bread with the hungry then our light will break forth. It gives us an opportunity to get along side folk we wouldn’t normally to hear their story and hopefully introduce them to the kingdom and family of God. We have a great team who work with us and without them we couldn’t do what we do.
Community Lunch Team
Community Lunch Volunteers
We have a team of about 20 volunteers who help regularly at our Community Lunches including setting up, cooking, serving, washing dishes and packing down. Thank you Jayne, Pam, Philip, John, Brad, Joan, Sharron, Norm, Summer, Diana, Ben, Raewyn, Mike, Ray, Ross, Lynn, Graham and Vesta for your generosity and faithfulness in serving our community.
OUR CORE VALUES
Compassion
It is compassion that motivates us to address the needs in our community, compelling us to show kindness and mercy in all our actions which breaks down barriers and increases engagement.
Hope
Hope plays a crucial role in fostering resilience by providing individuals with the belief and motivation that better circumstances are possible, enabling them to see beyond their current challenges and overcome future adversities.
Empowerment
We help people to recognise their unique strengths and develop new skills through education, resources and encouragement. This enables them to take control of their finances and make positive life changes.
Empathy
We acknowledge the diverse experiences and emotions of individuals. We strive to understand each person’s unique situation and offer support without judgement.
Relationship
We recognise that the best long-term outcomes happen in the context of a relationship built on trust and support, fostering growth and achieving goals.
Like to help?
A community organization like ours needs good infrastructure, resources and staff to be effective and that comes at a cost. Would you like to consider becoming “A Friend of Compassion Trust” and partner with us? We welcome all financial donations whether it is weekly, fortnightly or monthly. You may wish to support the ministry by choosing a specific food item to add to our food parcels.
OUR MAIN SUPPORTERS
FURTHER SUPPORTERS
Challenge South Shore
Christian Budgeting New Zealand
City Mission
Civil Defence
Comcare Charitable Trust
Community Law
Etu Pasifika
Gambling Anonymous
MMW Design
Pathways
Pegasus Health Support Workers
Renew New Brighton
Salvation Army
St Faith’s Anglican Church
St James Preschool
St Vincent de Paul
Stepping Stone Trust
The Mad Acre
Variety – the Children’s Charity
Vision West
Work and Income New Brighton & Linwood
Youth Alive Trust