Boosted TLC sponsorship fund supports 25 organisations
3 December 2021
The Lines Company’s (TLC) community sponsorship fund received a one-off increase boosting the fund from $10,000 to $20,000, enabling more organisations to secure support.
The fund was contested by 42 community groups and projects who applied for funding in October.
This, the second and final funding round for the year, gave preference to projects and groups with high visibility, that benefit local communities, energy efficiency related projects, and initiatives which reach many people and improve the lives of those living within the TLC network.
“We see one of our key roles as getting in behind our community and supporting projects and groups which benefit local people”, said Chief Executive, Sean Horgan.
“This round we felt it important we invested more due to COVID, so we increased the fund to $20,000, enabling us to double the number of organisations we can help.
“We had some tough choices to make when allocating the funding – there are some pretty amazing people doing some equally amazing things in the community.”
Taumarunui, Manunui & Owhango Volunteer Fire Brigade was one of 25 organisations to receive funding with $1,000 going towards running of the 59th NZ Fire Fighters National Golf Tournament.
Spokesperson Lynne Bacon said “TLC’s support helps build connections within our local community. Local people, helping local communities. Thank you once again, we really do appreciate it.”
Another organisation to receive $1,000 in funding is Land Search & Rescue NZ whose community-based volunteer members will benefit from having access to better headlamp-type torches because of the funding.
Group Support Officer Peter Zimmer was thrilled with the funding saying, “the good news made my day.”
“The funding received will be used to buy torches which are a valuable tool for search and rescue operations.”
Ōtorohanga Māori Women’s Welfare League were also granted $1,000. The fund being put towards their popular local line up at Market Day.
Spokesperson Yvonne Mita is excited to see the return of the Ōtorohanga Craft Market Day after a long break due to COVID-19.
“The Local Line -Up of entertainers will attract even more people and the Ōtorohanga Māori Women’s Welfare league will provide a stall promoting healthy lifestyle options and giveaway resources.”
In addition, the following applicants were successful:
- Benneydale Community – Community Christmas Party, $1,000
- Friends of the Timber Trail – solar panel installation at Ongarue, $1,000
- Hamilton Tomo Group – Cave SAR Training Tower, $1,000
- Hikumutu Community Centre – new water system, $1,000
- Hillview Trust – infra-red heating panels, $1,000
- Land Search & Rescue NZ – search and rescue equipment, $1,000
- Maniapoto Maara Kai Roopu Trust – operational support, $1,000
- Ohakune School – Kahui Ako, Equine Therapy, $2,000
- Ohakune Squash Rackets Club – heat pump installation, $500
- Ōtorohanga District Development Board – Main Street revitalisation, $1,000
- Ōtorohanga Household Budgeting Service Inc – operational support, $1,000
- Ōtorohanga Riding for the Disabled – horse float, $1,000
- Owhango Alive – World Rivers Day, $500
- Piopio Community Swimming Pools Charitable Trust – pool equipment, $200
- Pukenui Primary School – senior playground replacement, $200
- Rangitoto School – senior camp 2022, $200
- Ruapehu Quiltmakers – community quilts programme, $500
- Taumarunui Women’s Refuge & Support Centre – community office, $1,000
- Te Kūiti High School – Hillary Outdoors trip, $200
- Tirohanga School – walkway planting and seating, $200
- Waitomo District Education Trust – equipment, $1,000
Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) Trustee William Oliver said the Trust was highly supportive of TLC’s focus on community sponsorship.
“These organisations are undertaking valuable work for the people of our communities across the King Country and Ruapehu District.
“WESCT are really pleased TLC was able to increase available funding for this round given the impact of COVID. It means they could help twice as many organisations have a positive impact on those living on the network.”
TLC’s community funding programme also includes ongoing support for King Country RFC Junior Rugby, Waitomo Stadium, North King Country Development Trust, Brook Park Fireworks, and the Taumarunui Eels. Other TLC initiatives include the Easter Cross, Christmas Star, Trainee Line Mechanic Programme, Inspiring Local Minds Scholarships, and support of the Maru Energy Trust. Combined TLC are on-track to invest $400,000 in community-focused programmes this year.
TLC’s next funding round will be early next year, with applications opening on 1st March and closing on 31st March 2022. To find out more or to download the application form visit: https://www.thelinescompany.co.nz/sponsorship/