Established by The Christchurch Foundation, the Women’s Fund will be launched by the Mayor, Lianne Dalziel, on Wednesday, September 19.

The event is being held at the Kate Sheppard House and coincides with the 125th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote in New Zealand - a world first. Funds raised at this event will form the beginnings of an endowment fund from which small grants will be issued annually.

Amy Carter, establishment chief executive of The Christchurch Foundation, says the Fund recognises that Christchurch has long been a place where women have championed for change, and wants to support women and girls to continue this legacy.  

“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.” 

Carter says  the Women’s Fund will support girls and women in Christchurch who are:

Actively leading change in their community:

• Change that is focused on positive outcomes for our city and its residents
• Change that is driven by people coming together
• Offering grassroots support for our communities

Those wanting to contribute to the fund can do so by contacting Jodie Shaw – Endowment and Events Manager on 027 620 3208 or jodie@christchurchfoundation.org.nz