26 June 2012

112 Projects funded to date!

The Trust published a report in the Christchurch Press at the end of June to provide an update on the 112 projects funded to date. You can see the full spread with pictures by clicking here (.pdf)

Christchurch Press update June 2012

In this quarterly update, the Appeal Trust has allocated over $43 million to more than 112 projects. Back in March, the Trust funded its 100th project; the Linfield Cultural Recreational Sports Club to provide sports programmes to school children in eastern suburbs.

Essentially, the Trust aims to fund genuine community needs, small or large, and earthquake-related, that would not otherwise be addressed without help from the Appeal Trust.

A good example is the $2 million granted for sports recovery last month to hockey, rowing, bowls and cricket. Thousands of people in Canterbury play these sports, and without help from the Appeal Trust it was unlikely that these sports projects would receive funding in the foreseeable future.

The Trust receives many queries to fund community centres and meeting places. We acknowledge that in some suburbs there is a real shortage and we are working with the City Council to ensure that affected communities have adequate meeting and recreational facilities.

If your community group is seeking funding, we advise you to first talk to any regional groups or agencies relevant to your proposal. If you have a local project that may be common with others across the city or region, work together wherever possible to try and address multiple needs with one solution.

Next quarter, we're looking forward to sharing our first annual report.

Dr Rod Carr, on behalf of the Canterbury Earthquake Appeal Trustees and Advisory Board.

Queen's Birthday Honours

Two New Zealanders that contributed to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal were recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List 2012.

Jane Huria, who is a member of the Advisory Board to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, has been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to corporate governance. Jane is Ngai Tahu and affiliates to Ngai Tuahuriri. She has held directorships over the years in a number of public and private sector organisations.

Mark Weldon, who spearheaded global fundraising efforts for the Appeal, has been made a Companion of the Queen's Service Order for his services to the community and business.

How are we helping?

Projects funded March – June 2012 include:

Education/Youth

  • Primary school Children's Cultural Festival 2012
  • Secondary schools' Pasifika Cultural Festival 2012

Hardship/Spiritual and Faith

  • Temporary community house for 52 not-for-profit groups
  • Financial advice information for white and green zone residents

Sport and Recreation

  • A third hockey turf at Nunweek Park
  • Canterbury rowing clubs, towards facilities at Kerr's Reach and Stewarts Gully
  • Repairing 14 Christchurch bowling greens
  • KiwiSport programmes for schoolchildren in the eastern suburbs

Economic Revitalisation

  • Public amenities for temporary business accommodation in Rangiora and Kaiapoi

Heritage and Culture

  • Temporary arts gallery and studio
  • Temporary central rehearsal space for local musicians