Trust awards grants to local initiatives

More than 100 local organisations, groups and individuals have received a grant from the Network Tasman Charitable Trust this year, totalling $130,300.

For over 20 years the trust has awarded grants and scholarships to those within Network Tasman’s distribution area.

In this round, approximately 101 grants were given out, which were selected from 130 applicants.

The main categories of groups are art and culture, education, social support services, sport and recreation, and environment and energy-saving.

“Network Tasman Trust is delighted to be able to support such a wide range of community organisations who undertake so much exceptional work throughout the region,” trustee Judene Edgar says.

“We’re always delighted to make a difference with so many projects.

“The breadth and depth of work and the level of volunteer commitment never ceases to amaze us,” she adds.

The Big Bake Up, a Wakefield-based organisation that delivers cooked meals for those in need, was one of the Tasman-based recipients, receiving $2000.

Founder Melissa Woodhouse says this is one of the first grants they have received since becoming a registered charity last year.

“Our grant will go towards marketing material, which is a constant cost for us.”

This includes things such as business cards, labels for food containers and packaging, as well as a banner and flag.

“All the stuff that gives us that exposure and lets people know who we are and what we do. We are desperate for labels for our food containers.”

Melissa says they are “hugely appreciative” of the support from the trust.

“We’re only little and the application process was so simple.

“It means a lot to us, and we wouldn’t exist without this kind of support.”

Respiratory Support Nelson (formerly the Nelson Asthma Society) received a $1000 grant for their ‘Sing Your Lungs Out’ programme, a singing group for those with respiratory conditions to boost breathing and well-being.

“We rely solely on funding to provide our services and the grant from Network Tasman Trust is hugely important and greatly appreciated,” says John Lennox from the organisation.

“Respiratory Support Nelson provides many services to people with asthma and respiratory conditions within the Nelson and Tasman region by improving lifestyles through improved self-management, education, and support programmes.”

The White House in Nelson, which runs a peer support drop-in day and activity centre for individuals with lived experiences of mental illness and addiction, many of whom face poverty or homelessness, received $2000 towards food costs.

This will go towards providing around 6500 meals annually to those in need.

“We offer free food and subsidised cooked meals, and this grant will enable us to sustain our meal programme and enhance both the quantity and quality of the food we provide, ensuring those we support have at least one meal every day,” assistant service manager Anna Mount says.

Another recipient was Perinatal Support Nelson, which received $1500 to run its in-home support services to mums and their whanau who are experiencing perinatal depression and/or anxiety.

Dawn Allen from the organisation says they are thankful to for the financial boost.

Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman received $1000 to help recruit, train, match, and provide support to young people, mentors, and their whanau.

“We are extremely grateful for the money from Network Tasman Trust,” programme director Tracee Neilson says.

“With an increased demand for our services, it allows us to continue to match young people across Te Tauihu with positive role models.”

Over in Motueka, $1500 was given to Keep Motueka Beautiful towards the restoration of the old stone wharf on Motueka Quay.

Built in 1887, the wharf served as the local portal for goods, communication and passenger conveyance until the port moved to a new location in 1916.

“The Network Tasman Trust grant will be used to support the restoration,” Isobel Mosley from the group says.

A heritage wharf restoration group has been formed, with representatives from Keep Motueka Beautiful, the Motueka and Districts Historical Association, Tasman District Council (the owner) and the Motueka Community Board.

“The project is expected to cost around $300,000 and every contribution helps us towards that goal, so we appreciate Network Tasman Trust’s support.”

Also, the Motueka Recreation Centre received a grant of $2000 to buy equipment to run a boxing fitness class for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Facility Manager Rohan Haskell says they money will go towards buying boxing bags, gloves, pads, stands and speed balls and he hopes to have the class up and running before the end of the year.

“Network Tasman Trust has always been a big supporter of the recreation centre and Sport Tasman.

“What’s great about these grants is that it’s not just one grant for one big operator, there are lots smaller grants, and for some organisations, that makes all the difference.”

Some of the other local organisations to receive a grant include the Lake Rotoiti Volunteer Fire Brigade, which got $2500 for a new shed.

Wanderers Community Sports Club were granted $2000 for gym renovations, Higgens Heritage Park received $1000 for security cameras, while Brightwater Playcentre plan to purchase a new laptop and kids picnic table with their $1000 grant.

UP Foundation was granted $2000 to provide swimming lessons for 300 children from Victory School with Hampden Street Swim School, the Theatre Royal received $1500 for the conversion to an LED house lighting system in the auditorium, and the Tāhunanui Community Hub was granted $2000 towards a kitchen upgrade.

Golden Bay Football Club was granted $3000 to purchase uniforms and funding of $1000 was also given towards two murals for the Motueka Street Art Festival.