Every year, the Catalytic Foundation conducts a Community Needs Survey to help us better understand what charities need, how people are using their service, and, most importantly, how we can help.

This year, the survey results have been eye-opening, with a massive 98% of charities saying they are seeing an increase in demand for their services. This is a big jump on previous years and shows the community-level impact of the cost-of-living crisis.

Our survey reflects 208 responses from 199 individual community organisations based across New Zealand.

A Christchurch medical support charity said, "We have noted over the past 8-12 months that families need greater support with food items. As such, we now have two family pantries and run a weekly dinner programme to help families out.​"

A nationwide charity supporting parents said, "Demand growth this year has exceeded all expectations. Our volunteers remain under pressure, with rising costs making our mahi more difficult.”​

We know that not everyone has the capacity to financially help others, particularly in these difficult times, but if you would like to pay it forward and help out those in need either on a regular basis or with Christmas gifts, please click here for further information.