Readers donate cash to young mum

JOHN KIRK-ANDERSON/ The Press

IT ALL HELPS: Bonnie Avery and son Cordae are delighted at the money The Press readers have sent their way.

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Generous readers have come to the aid of the Christchurch mother fighting cancer whose request for a special grant to buy clothes for her baby was rejected.

Bonnie Avery, 20, was refused a special needs grant by Work and Income in April to buy clothes for baby Cordae.

She felt aggrieved about the refusal after revelations this week that former gang leader Darryl Harris was given special-needs grants for a swimming-pool fence and car tyres.

Readers have been generous with cash donations to help Avery and The Press gave the money to her yesterday.

Avery said she would spend the money on Christmas presents for her son and expenses such as power bills and petrol.

"It is much appreciated by me and my son. I am going to get my boy some Christmas presents. I have only been able to get him a few things so far."

She said she was shocked by the response from the public.

"This is not what I wanted out of this at all. But thank you all so much."

One Christchurch man said he donated money to Avery as he had a run-in with Harris and felt Avery's grant refusal was unfair. Another donor said she felt she could not enjoy Christmas knowing that Avery was in need.

Work and Income has defended its support for Avery. Deputy chief executive Isabel Evans said this week the department was doing all it could to help Avery with extra assistance. She received a $200 clothing grant on Tuesday.

"Work and Income staff have been working hard to support her over the past eight months."

- © Fairfax NZ News