Grace(*) is 80 years old and has lived alone in her home in the deep south of New Zealand for many years.  Her house has aged right alongside her. While it has served her well, it had become increasingly difficult to heat during the region’s harsh winters, and her health was beginning to suffer because of it.

In the middle of yet another freezing winter, Grace came to Good Shepherd NZ seeking an urgent loan to buy a heat pump. She was living on a tight superannuation income, and any expense outside her regular budget was hard to manage. With no family nearby to help her navigate the financial paperwork or the online technology required through our phone-based service, she felt the pressure mounting as the cold set in.

Our Good Loans Coach recognised the immediate risk to Grace’s health and wellbeing and knew swift action was needed. After listening to Grace and assessing her situation, they determined that a hardship relief grant was a better option than a loan. Together, they applied for a $3,950 grant to cover the purchase and installation of a heat pump – which was installed the very next week.

Grace was overjoyed by how quickly Good Shepherd NZ was able to help, allowing her to stay warm, safe and well. Warm and generous by nature, she has spent her life helping others where she could. Her family, though far away, were deeply grateful to know she was being cared for when she needed it most.

* name has been changed