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The Selwyn Foundation administers funds for older people who cannot afford some of the essentials for healthy living

Hardship Support For The Elderly

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry” adapted from a line in “To a Mouse.” by Robert Burns

Through the generosity of past benefactors, The Selwyn Foundation administers funds for older people who cannot afford some of the essentials for healthy living.

Despite a life time of working and planning, we can still be thrown curve balls, and our finances may not always match our future needs. As people age, we find that many people need some additional financial support.

Puckey Fund

History of the Puckey Fund

The Puckey Christ’s Endowment fund was established about forty years ago in honour of Mrs Gertrude Puckey, a substantial benefactor to the Foundation. The fund was set up "to meet the ever-increasing costs of running Christ’s Hospital", which found itself in serious financial difficulty in the mid-1970s. Over the years, the hospital's finances improved and eventually The Selwyn Foundation Board decided to make the Puckey Fund available to individuals who could not afford services and items necessary for health living.

What can the Puckey Fund be used for?

It’s usually given to people who need, but can’t afford, things like new spectacles, hearing aids, dentures and other dental work. Or it may cover the cost of a car mobility permit or prosthetic footwear. It’s not available for an on-going long-term need (paying the monthly phone bill, for example) unless all avenues of alternative funding have been exhausted.

Who can benefit from this?

Residents living at Selwyn Village, Selwyn Day Service clients and guests of the Selwyn Centres can benefit, so long as they qualify and are in real financial need. 

How can you seek financial assistance?

Download and complete the application form below. Attach the required documents and statements regarding your personal circumstance. Submit the full and completed application form with supporting documentation to:

The Selwyn Institute for Ageing and Spirituality Administrator, The Selwyn Foundation, PO Box 8203, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150

Or email selwyninstitute@selwynfoundation.org.nz

All applicants will receive acknowledgement within five working days via telephone or email.

Please note if the application is incomplete you will be asked to provide the missing documentation before the application can be considered by the Puckey Fund Committee.

Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund

History of the Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund

The Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund was established in March 1857 through the Auckland Ladies Benevolent Society. The Society’s objective at its inception was to alleviate the hardship of the poor, particularly families and destitute children, by supplying them with clothes, food and other necessities. The Society’s primary attention was given to sick and needy women, to cases of extreme poverty and to poor women during their pregnancy.

In 2005, the Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund was transferred by the Society to The Selwyn Foundation, in order to support older vulnerable women who require financial assistance within the Auckland region. 

What can the Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund be used for?

It’s usually given to ladies residing in Auckland who need, but can’t afford, things like new spectacles, hearing aids, dentures and other dental work. Selwyn Centre guests are able to apply to the Fund, if they are unable to access a Selwyn Centre due to financial circumstance or have a specific ‘one off’ need or service that would enhance their independence. Applications can be made when adequate assistance is unavailable from other sources such as family, the fund is not available to assist people to become residents at any facility owned or managed by The Selwyn Foundation.

Who can benefit from this?

The Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund provides financial assistance to Selwyn residents, clients of The Selwyn Foundation’s community day services and guests of the Selwyn Centres who are New Zealand citizens and residents (other criteria also apply).

Note: Men who believe they meet the above criteria can apply for a grant from The Puckey Fund.

How can you seek financial assistance?

The Auckland Ladies Benevolent Fund application form should be completed in full and the required documents attached, with statements, regarding your personal requirements. The completed application should be sent to:

The Selwyn Institute for Ageing and Spirituality Administrator, The Selwyn Foundation, PO Box 8203, Symonds Street, Auckland 1150

Or email selwyninstitute@selwynfoundation.org.nz

Applicants will receive acknowledgement within five working days by telephone or email.