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Aerial shot of Lyttelton - Source: Getty Images
More Christchurch residents living in quake damaged homes will be able to feel the benefit of a grant to help fight off the winter chill.
The Red Cross is extending its Winter Assistance Grant scheme to include thousands more households.
Last year the $100 a month donation was only paid out to homes with elderly, young or sick residents.
But Earthquake Commission chair Sir John Hansen said many people living in cold houses are struggling to pay power bills.
"We are responding to a need we are seeing out in the community. Our volunteers tell us many people are having trouble heating their damaged houses, not just the old and sick."
Approved applicants will receive the $100 a month for June, July, August and September.
Last year Red Cross approved 3651 Winter Assistance Grants at a cost of $1.45 million, with power companies Contact and Meridian Energy contributing $500,000.
This year the charity expects to be able to help around 19,000 people at a cost of $7.5 million.
Applicants can find more information here or call the grants hotline 0800 754 726 between 8.30am and 5pm. The deadline for applications is October 1.