A Canterbury charity supporting young people affected by sexual harm could be left without a home within two months unless it can urgently secure new premises.

NZ Gifts of Love and Strength has operated from its current Wainoni building for the past five years, but the property has been sold and the charity has been given two months to move out.

Founder Vicki-Anne Parker said the news came without warning and had left the organisation urgently searching for a suitable new base.

The charity needs premises of at least 110 square metres and can consider a lease costing up to $15,000, including operating expenses.

It is also open to sharing premises or subletting alongside another charity or business.

Parker described NZ Gifts of Love and Strength as the only charity operating across Canterbury and South Canterbury that provides specially prepared healing tote bags to young people affected by sexual harm.

The bags contain practical and comforting items selected with input from medical professionals at Christchurch’s Cambridge Clinic to support young people during the healing process.

Parker said the contents were carefully chosen and should not be regarded as optional extras.

“They are not niceties,” she said.

“With a current wait of up to a year to access counselling, the bags are seen as an essential healing tool in between times.”

Each young person also receives a handmade toiletry bag containing products intended to last.

“We never give hotel samples, as many of the young people are affected by poverty and we want them to have products that give them more than one use,” Parker said.

However, the rising cost of living has placed additional pressure on the charity.

Parker said donations of products had slowed significantly, forcing the organisation to purchase many of the items placed in each bag.

The potential increase in rent associated with finding new premises would add further pressure at a time when the charity is already paying more to continue its work.

When NZ Gifts of Love and Strength first moved into its current building, it supported members of Christchurch’s Muslim community following the March 15 mosque attacks, newly arrived refugee families, people affected by natural disasters and others experiencing trauma.

In 2023, the charity shifted its focus solely to supporting young people affected by sexual harm and sublet half of its building to the Blanket Bank.

The Blanket Bank moved out several months ago, allowing NZ Gifts of Love and Strength to reclaim the additional space as it expanded its work into South Canterbury.

The sale of the building now means the charity must find a new property while also reducing the amount of equipment and stock it needs to relocate.

To help raise money and downsize, the charity will hold a large craft, knitting and garage sale at its current premises at 55 Vancouver Crescent, Wainoni.

The sale will be held on Friday 7 August and Saturday 8 August between 10am and 3pm on both days.

Items for sale will include wool, quilting fabrics, other craft supplies, brand new children’s winter knitwear, excess office furniture and a range of household and garage sale items.

The charity also has a Givealittle page and is welcoming donations to help meet the increased costs of purchasing supplies and securing a new home.

Without suitable premises, the charity risks being unable to continue preparing and distributing its healing tote bags from its current base.

Parker said the organisation was eager to hear from landlords, businesses, other community organisations or potential donors who might have a suitable space or be willing to help meet the cost of a lease.