6000 homes to get Red Cross grants
Christchurch's elderly are among those most in need of the Red Cross' electricity bill grants.
The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission is providing a second round of financial assistance for all households who received the 2012 Winter Assistance grants.
Commission head Sir John Hansen said the second payment is in recognition of the fact many people are still struggling with heating bills, due to living in earthquake-damaged houses.
"We are responding to a need our Outreach volunteers are seeing out in the community. There is a great need among the elderly in particular, some of whom are avoiding using heating because of the cost.
"People have the option of using the payment now or holding it in credit for next winter."
Around 6000 households will receive a second payment of $400 which will be paid directly to their power company.
The previous grant was $100 for each of the four months of June, July, August and September.
The Winter Assistance Grant closed on October 1. It was available to all households with earthquake damage or those who had to move to colder, damper, harder to heat accommodation.
