Heating up Hearts

The Challenges

The main aim of the man behind the trust, the late Hyman Marks, was to ensure that the poorer people in Christchurch didn’t go cold. The Trust began when Hyman Marks, who lived in Christchurch, died. He left his money invested in property to take care of the poor people across the city. The Trust is over 100 years old, and is going to exist in perpetuity. 

“We hear a lot of heart breaking stories of families heating their homes with their ovens, or collecting pallets from the side of the road, or going into debt to pay for home heating. As a trust we are pleased to try and support people facing challanges and give them a hand up.” 

– Hyman Marks Trustee.

What Was Done

The Hyman Marks Trust considers cases brought forward by social workers, nurses, budget advisors, and similar professions working at the coal face. Then the available money is shared amongst the cases that meet the criteria for funding.

The Outcomes

People of low-income in Christchurch, who need a bit of assistance for things not funded elsewhere, including heating their homes, receive some much needed assistance when they need it most.

“He bequeathed his wealth to the poor and afflicted”