Over $850,000 has been granted towards charitable projects and programmes throughout the Central Lakes region in this March funding round, says Chairman Tony Hill. “This sees $7.81 million granted for charitable causes within the Central Lakes area for the financial year end,” he says.

Amongst recipients are St John Wakatipu whom receive $100,000 towards a new ambulance for the region. This will improve the quality of the Wakatipu fleet and forms a part of an ambulance replacement plan which sees aging ambulances; those that have travelled over 400,000 kms, or older than eight years replaced.

Alexandra Men’s Shed will receive $200,000 towards their new premise to ensure the growing membership can be realised, which in turn allows the men that join to give back to their community.

“The vast number of projects that have the Men’s Shed behind them, and the volunteer support they provide within the community is beneficial and well received throughout our region,” says Susan Finlay, Chief Executive, Central Lakes Trust.

“The men collectively provide free or at cost assistance to a wide range of community organisations and individuals, fundraise on behalf of other charities, and coach or mentor and support individuals in a variety of practical subject areas,” she says.

“The shed will be a community centre, a centre of excellence, and a hub for a network of in-community activities,” says Alexandra Men’s Shed Trustee, Trevor Goudie.

The Dunedin Community Care Trust receives a boost of funding over the next two years to support a pilot programme to better meet the needs of disabled people within Central Lakes.

“The Trust supports people to live in their own homes, in their own communities, and has been responding to requests from families in our region who cannot access support here, and are either considering moving their families, struggling on their own, or needing to pay for private services,” says Susan.

“This pilot provides an opportunity to understand demand which will in turn provide better service in the future,” she says.

LUMA Light Festival which attracted 35,000 locals from throughout our region last year will receive support for equipment and planning resources to sustain the growth of the event. In total it attracted 40,000 – 50,000 people, and up until last year was entirely volunteer based. “The group is well established and highly organised with good plans in place for its future, and this funding will bridge the logistical needs so they can both grow and sustain the event,” says Tony.

Funding for the Sport Otago swim safe programme and the Central Otago Principals Association referral programme have been confirmed in line with school rolls for the year, respectively receiving $89,730 and $79,080.

Central Lakes Trust is a charitable trust that grant funds for charitable purposes. To be eligible your cause must be charitable, and your organisation registered with charities, a territorial local authority, or a registered public state learning provider. To find out more see www.clt.net.nz or call 0800 001 137.

“We encourage those in the community registered with charities and with a charitable cause to seek our advice as to whether we can assist,” says Susan.