Network Tasman Trust has given out $90,000 in donations, surprising nine local charities.
One of the recipients was Nelson Women’s Refuge. Manager Diane Strong says that they were “speechless” when the generous donation of $10,000 appeared.
“We have a growing demand for services, and without the support of our community we would struggle to meet these needs.
“We have a range of services which include a 24/7 crisis line, a safe house for crisis, advocacy support with a social worker, protection order advice, education programmes for wāhine, tamariki and rangitahi and emergency housing. Network Tasman Trust are a huge part of being able to provide these services to our whanau.”
Similarly, Nelson Community Food Bank manager Daniel Grade says that he was completely surprised and overjoyed when he received the news that Network Tasman Trust were donating $10,000 to them.
“As we all know the cost of living is increasing and the need for our services are in demand more than ever. This incredibly generous donation will be put to use buying groceries that form part of the food bank’s nutritious food parcels.”
Kai With Love co-founder Abigail Packer says the grant will allow them to upgrade logistics equipment.
“The grant will cover the cost of upgrading equipment for our logistics team to meet new safety standards; purchase outdoor signage to help new members find us; and provide much needed operating funds to meet the ever-growing demand created by the cost-of-living crisis,” she says.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of Kai With Love, their gift of time and energy, together with the generous support of local churches, businesses, food producers, growers, and organisations such as Network Tasman, assists us to relief hardship on a broad scale in our community.
Warmer Healthier Homes Te Tauihu Charitable Trust chairperson Leeson Baldey says that the generous donation will help to warm up approximately 70 Nelson and Tasman residents.
“Warmer Healthier Homes Te Tauihu programme provides grants for insulating underfloor and ceilings to existing homes for homeowners who live in an eligible area or have a Community Services Card, with a focus on families who have children with respiratory related health conditions.
“Our aim is to warm up the homes of those most in need. Keeping homes warmer and dryer has many benefits including reducing hospital admissions, reducing energy costs and improving general wellbeing to name but a few.”
Network Tasman Trust chairperson Gwenny Davis says that they wanted to support groups that were working at the grassroots helping those with high needs.
“We have our annual grants round but wanted to further support the community by providing a hand up to groups that have been experiencing increasing demand for their services,” she says.
The Trustees also took the opportunity to visit some of the organisations that they provided donations to, to find out more about their services. “It’s heart-warming to hear about the amazing work that these organisations are doing, making such a big difference for so many people in our community. We’re just happy to play a small part in supporting their work.”
Other recipients were Fifeshire Foundation, Kai with Love, Salvation Army Motueka and Nelson branches, St Vincent de Paul Society and Mohua Social Services, each receiving a $10,000 donation.
By Judene Edgar
