Since 2011, Family Works Angels have been supporting local families in Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti to turn their lives around by donating regularly to Family Works. Almost thirty years ago, Jeff Parker created an insurance broking service in Hawke’s Bay with the late Jim Hurford. Today, Hurford Parker Insurance Brokers is a hard-working, energetic company based in Hastings with a strong focus on staff wellness, family values, and exceptional client service. Hurford Parker is much more than a thriving regional business. As one of Family Works’ earliest ‘angels’, this company has been quietly supporting local families in crisis by sending monthly donations to Family Works, a service of Presbyterian Support East Coast. This support has been crucial for many brave families in our region overcoming challenges, grief, trauma, and distress.
“We’re passionate about Hawke’s Bay and passionate about the future of our business,” says Hurford Parker manager, Jeff Parker. “We recognise that we need to do our bit for the wider community, but it has to be a right fit for us. National organisations like to support national charities, but we want to help the local community that we are a part of. Supporting local services is paramount and Family Works Angels is one of the most important ones we contribute to. We know it gets used in Hawke’s Bay and know that Presbyterian Support East Coast is a very good organisation too.”
Jeff’s son William, Director and Senior Broker, believes it comes down to social responsibility – to giving something back. “There are some serious issues here in Hawke’s Bay. Some people are only just surviving. People see little glimpses of the issues but it’s easy to turn the other way and ignore it. I came from a safe and loving home, but some people don’t have those same foundations and need a helping hand,” William says. “We need everyone to be as well looked after as possible. Each business has a certain budget and we only have so much to give, but many don’t give anything. If everybody gave a little bit, I think we can achieve a lot. If we’ve got a great community – we’ve got a great region.”
Become a Family Works Angel. Change your community, one family at a time.
Learn more at familyworksangel.org.nz or call 0800 002 953.