3 April 2017 | For immediate release

James Gibb Fund gives more than 60k in grants to NZ parishes

More than $60,000 has been dispersed to various parishes in New Zealand thanks to the James Gibb Fund, administered by Presbyterian Support Central.

The James Gibb Fund, established in 1989, provides funding for parish-based social and community service projects that either improves the lives and living conditions of vulnerable people or educates and supports people to live better quality lives.

Presbyterian Support Central trust administrator Jackie Wierenga says the successful applications included youth programmes, family and youth counselling services, support groups for new mothers, new migrants, and so much more.

“It’s great to see a big focus on providing support for families in need, which is what the James Gibb fund is all about.”

Reverend Dr. James Gibb, whom the James Gibb Fund is named after, was a Minister of St John’s Presbyterian Church in Wellington in the 1900s.

James Gibb initiated a project to care for orphaned and destitute children in 1909 - a time when a basic social welfare system was not in place in New Zealand, and marked the beginning of Presbyterian Support Services, now known as Presbyterian Support Central.

Caring for orphaned and neglected children remained the principle work of Presbyterian Support until the early 1950s, when the emphasis shirted to care of the elderly.

Today, Presbyterian Support Central provides a broad mix of services and support to people of all ages. This includes Family Works social services and Enliven positive ageing services.

The James Gibb fund has provided funding for parish-based social and community service projects for the past 28 years, and applications to the James Gibb Fund close on 31 October every year.

To find out more, visit www.psc.org.nz.

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