Fundraising for Christchurch Mortgage Advisers

The NZMBA recently announced initiatives (including the waver of 2011 annual membership subscriptions) to assist Mortgage Brokers in Canterbury adversely affected by the earthquake. Jim Fitchett (ANZ/National Bank) and Geoff Bawden (Prosper Group) announced today that they are joining forces with the NZMBA to provide a combined Industry initiative, with the aim of raising up to $180,000 over the next two months. Funds raised will be distributed, upon application, to those in need.

A simple qualifying criteria is in the process of being developed but essentially it is expected that those applying for assistance will be existing NZMBA members or will successfully apply for NZMBA membership before 31st May. They will also need to be registered with the Companies Office as a Financial Services Provider and will demonstrate that prior to the quake their primary source of income was derived from Mortgage Broking.

In announcing this initiative it is understood that there are a number of fundraising initiatives of a general nature in place already. This initiative however is specifically for Mortgage Brokers' whose ability to generate income in the coming months is likely to be severely tested. It is hoped that assistance provided can be by way of a supplementary income lasting several weeks.

Geoff Bawden and Jim Fitchett have agreed to be the joint trustees along with NZMBA board member Brian Greer for this initiative and will administer proceedings. A bank account to receive funds pledged or donated has been set up with National Bank and a website is being used to collect donations and advise the levels of money raised.   The website is http://www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/nzmba/ .