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Helping the people of Canterbury in their
time of need

About The Hyman Marks Trust
POSITIVELY IMPACTING LIVES SINCE 1895

When there is nowhere else to turn

The Hyman Marks Trust assists Canterbury residents who are experiencing severe financial hardship. The focus of the Trust is to meet the health and warmth needs of these Cantabrians, when needs are unable to be met elsewhere.


Established in 1895, the Hyman Marks Trust has had a considerable impact on the lives of many people in Canterbury for over 100 years.


Professionals working in the fields of healthcare, social care, and financial advising, as well as representatives of churches and non-profit organisations, can swiftly obtain assistance for clients who have exhausted all other options.


See Who We Fund
OUR REFERRERS

Due to the requirements of our Trust Deed, requests for assistance need to be made via an approved representative. 

Health
Professionals

 Social and Community Workers

Budget
Advisors

  Churches and non-profit organisations

THE HYMAN MARKS TRUST

Although the Hyman Marks Trust is a relatively small Trust with a limited income available for distribution, it fills a necessary gap. Since 1895, the Trust has had, and continues to have, a considerable impact on the lives of many people throughout Canterbury. 


The Trustees welcome all applications from appropriate professionals applying on behalf of their clients in the Canterbury area.


Charitable grants are available for those in need when their community supports cannot find funding anywhere else.


More About Us

WHO DOES THE HYMAN MARKS TRUST HELP?

Individuals
and Families

Canterbury individuals and families experiencing financial hardship who have limited access to basic necessities, in particular those needs of health and warmth.

The Trust will consider applications for assistance with home heating and health needs where all other avenues of financial assistance have been explored. 

NB: The Trust will not provide funding for school uniforms or electronic devices required by schools. The Trust also does not make grants for purchasing, clothing or furniture. We never give out cash. Instead we pay bills or purchase items on people's behalf.


Winter Warmer Programme

Grants are made to assist with needs of health and warmth, with a focus on providing assistance with power bills and firewood grants. NB: The Trust does not make grants for the purchase of heaters or home insulation, instead we recommend making contact with Community Energy Action.

Community Support groups

The Trustees will consider community projects that are brought to their attention. In some cases, the Trust will make a special grant to an organisation but will not assist with ongoing rent, power and wage costs.


The community project must support individuals and groups within the Trust’s terms of reference, being people living in Canterbury who are experiencing issues with their health and/or warmth. There can be no other avenues of funding available. 


Projects with a focus on being self-sustaining, or that are proactive in addressing client needs, are especially welcomed. 

Projects to be brought to the attention of the trustees should be emailed to the secretary at hymanmarkstrust@xtra.co.nz


Apply Here →

WHO WAS HYMAN MARKS?

Hyman Marks was born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1834 and received a "Colonial Certificate of Naturalisation" from the Governor General of New Zealand in 1861.

Hyman Marks had a shoe and boot business in the early days in Christchurch but was later described as a "financial agent" 

and property investor. He died on 22 May 1895 at Christchurch Hospital. He is buried in the Jewish section of the Linwood Cemetery in Christchurch and the tall obelisk bears this simple epitaph:

“He bequeathed his wealth to the poor and afflicted.”


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