The Budget Advisory Service’s volunteers help families take control of their financial affairs, and was set up in 1991 to meet the need in the isolated rural areas of the Coromandel Peninsula.
Treasurer Caro Reid says the grant will go towards supporting their budget advisors, and also means they can move to larger offices. She says they have been desperate for more space at a time when they have more demand for their services, and are taking on more people to help.
“This is a big deal for us,” says Caro. “We work alongside, and network, with other social services in the area. We also run a food bank and organic garden, and receive donated food – that means families can be fed while they’re paying off accounts.”
Caro is also grateful to COGS (Community Organisation Grants Scheme) for its funding contribution of $4,000, which will help with travel costs for district and regional meetings around the peninsula, and the training of a new advisor.
