Wellington Mayor, Tory Whanau, has announced a new Mayoral Relief Fund to accept donations from the public following the tragic fatal fire at Loafers Lodge in Newtown this morning.
Any person or organisation wishing to donate to the Wellington Mayoral Relief Fund can deposit funds via the Wellington City Mission and tag their donation to the Loafers Lodge fire.
Mayor Whanau said she had been overwhelmed by offers of help by the public, and the Fund offered a straightforward way to channel that support.
“In crisis like this the generosity and community spirit of Wellingtonians is on full display and this fund allows us to provide support to people who have lost so much in this devastating fire,” she said.
“By donating to the Fund, we can ensure that people receive the immediate help they really need at this difficult time.”
People were evacuated from their rooms with no notice and forced to leave all their belongings behind. This Fund will be used to help those affected get the essential supplies they need as well as counselling and other support, the Mayor said.
“Sadly, a number of residents lost their lives in the fire. My thoughts go out to their families, friends and colleagues, who will be grieving this immense loss. Donations to the Mayoral Relief Fund will also help support the immediate families who have lost loved ones in the fire.”
Mayor Whanau said further details about how the fund will be used will be made available shortly. In the meantime, she has asked New Zealanders to dig deep and show their aroha in response to the tragedy.
“Let’s show our fellow Wellingtonians that we are there for them in this tough time. I encourage anyone in a position to do so – please make a donation, small or large, to the fund,” she said.
Visit wellingtoncitymission.org.nz/donate-now/ to donate.
