The Simplicity Foundation is pleased to announce another $500,000 donation to New Zealand charities as part of its Christmas Giving programme for 2022. The receiving charities include food distribution groups across the country, the Women’s Refuge, St John and Surf Lifesaving, city missions across our biggest centres and the SPCA.

Thousands of Simplicity’s members voted on the distribution of funds through a member survey. Simplicity MD Sam Stubbs says the Christmas Giving will benefit Kiwis most in need at what can be a stressful time of year. “2022 has been another tough year for many, so it’s wonderful that we can help,” he says.

With this latest round of giving, the Foundation has donated more than $5 million to more than 80 Kiwi charities.

Stubbs said he and Simplicity’s growing team of 30 were delighted to see the nonprofit investment manager reach this huge milestone after only six years in business.

The donation round breaks down as follows:

• $125,000 went to Women’s Refuge: After another difficult year for many, Women's Refuge has seen referrals go up, and donations go down. The Refuge supports some of New Zealand’s most vulnerable women and children.
  
  
• Nineteen food banks and food rescue organisations across the country received between $9,500 -10,800 each. Meeting an ever-increasing need in our communities, these organisations ensure that good food doesn't go to waste, and that it gets to the people who need it most. Many are putting together special food parcels and gifts to spread a little Christmas joy.
  
  
• St John's and Surf Lifesaving will help keep Kiwis safe over the summer. They each received a donation of $37,500, which will help them train and support their thousands of volunteers and members.
  
  
• After many requests from members in previous years, the Foundation added the SPCA New Zealand to the list. A donation of $65,000 was gratefully received as the SPCA’s 31 centres reach their busiest time of year.
  
  
• The City Missions in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, who will each receive $25,000, send out thousands of food parcels and gifts. And with the help of volunteers, they put on a special festive feast for their communities.

You can find out more about the charities involved here and more about the Simplicity Foundation here.