LtR) Kit Doudney & Tanya Jenkins

Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust (the Estuary Trust)

The $5000 Environment Community Grant was awarded to The Estuary Trust who coordinate a range of projects from predator control and the restoration and enhancement of seven sites around the Estuary through to organising annual community events (e.g. the Farewell to the Godwits) and the preparation of submissions on city and regional proposals which may affect the well-being of the Estuary. “The grant will be used to enhance the islands in McCormack’s Bay Reserve through invasive weed removal and the planting of native species. This will make the islands more suitable for birds to roost there during high tide,” said Tanya Jenkins, the Estuary Trust Manager.

(LtoR) Chris Jenkins and Gareth Davies

Shoreline Youth Trust (Fuse)

The $5000 Education Community Grant was given to the Shoreline Youth Trust which provides community services for the young people living in the Sumner, Redcliffs, and Mt Pleasant areas. Their focus is to develop strength and resilience within the local community and to see young people flourish. “Funding is always difficult,” said Gareth Davies, the manager of Fuse. “We need funds to pay the staff; and for vehicle expenses, rent and training. It is getting harder and harder in the current climate. The grant will be used to keep the doors open at the youth centre, and to provide youth-based activities such as the leadership development programme."

Jim Stenberg VP of SRFC

Sumner Rugby Football Club

The Sumner Rugby Football Club was the recipients of the $5000 Sports Community Grant. Their junior club is one of the biggest in Christchurch, with teams for boys and girls of all ages. At Senior level they cater to everyone from budding professional players to those who just want a social run-around with their mates. “Funding is a difficult issue especially when you are trying to provide the best resources & equipment when you have a limited budget, said Jim Stenberg, Vice President of the SRFC. “So, the community grant will be used for the development of the game within our Junior Club and in the surrounding schools in our catchment area."

(LtR) Ken Doige, Shelia Brown and Stacey Rod

Mt Pleasant Pottery Club

The Mt Pleasant Pottery Club received the $5000 Arts & Culture Community Grant. The Club is a daily hub of creative activity for their 100 plus members and the several hundred people learning pottery in the many classes on offer. The $5000 grant will be used to purchase two new wheels, and go towards the costs involved with their annual All Classes Exhibition. “I would encourage anyone to become a sponsor of awards like these as a way of giving back to our community,” said Sheila Brown, the secretary of the group. Without sponsorship, clubs are under constant financial pressure to be able to keep the doors open to the community. Being affordable means that everyone can participate in something that they are passionate about. Plus, clubs are not only a group of learning and activity but also a place for well-being."

Representatives of the Te Awa Kura Park Regreening Group

Te Awa Kura Barnett Park Regreening Project

The Te Awa Kura Barnett Park Regreening Project is a group of volunteers who have a vision of regreening Barnett Park with eco-sourced native plants, planted from the Estuary to the Summit, in areas cleared of invasive species and pests. They weed, trap, source seeds and plant. The recipients of the $10,000 Major Community Grant will be used for a range of activities including:

The $10,000 Major Community Grant will be used for a range of activities including:

“The passion of our volunteer groups is motivating but it is hard work!” said Martin Ward. “We need funds in addition to the many volunteer hours to be able to continue our work. Sourcing funds is very challenging with a lot of competition and limited sources. We greatly appreciate the award as an acknowledgment of the work we have done, the vision we hold and the practical support it provides.”