TLC community funding to 13 local groups

27 October 2023

Funding from The Lines Company (TLC) is set to provide a much needed boost to 13 local organisations doing good.

TLC’s latest community grants have been announced – and it’s getting near last call for applications for the next set of funding.

Coast Rugby Football Sports Club is one successful applicant, receiving $1,000 for the purchase of new uniforms for its junior rugby teams. The Taharoa-based club has around 60 children registered across four teams with the TLC funding tagged to replace ageing uniforms.

The following applications were also successful:

• Amplify (Economic Development Agency) was awarded $500 to support the Tūrangi Job Fair.
• Avonlea Rest Home and Hospital received $1,000 for the purchase of new chairs and tables.
• Bowls Waikato was granted $500 to support its Youth Bowls Day.
• Central North Island Kindergarten Trust for Paraone Kindergarten obtained $1,000 to buy new, energy-efficient laundry appliances.
• Grow will use a $1,000 TLC grant to deliver adult reading and writing classes in Te Kūiti.
• Marotiri School will use its $1,000 to install a fence around the community swimming pool.
• Matiere School received $1,000 towards a new playground.
• Mōkau ki Runga received $500 towards the purchase of uniform t-shirts for its kapahaka group.
• Ōtorohanga Household Budgeting Services obtained $1,000 towards the rental of a space used to deliver free financial advice and guidance.
• Ōtorohanga Riding for the Disabled was awarded $500 towards new saddle blankets, improving safety for riders and volunteers.
• Te Kūiti Amateur Swimming Club secured $1,000 to assist with acquiring a marquee for annual events.
• Te Kūiti Gym Sports Club was granted $1,000 for the hire of court space, so it can host gymnastics lessons for primary school tamariki.

TLC chief executive Mike Fox said it was “a privilege” to lend a helping hand to groups who add value locally.  All up, applications were received from 30 organisations.

“We’re immensely proud of the communities we operate in and are privileged to have the opportunity to give back. Energy is what we do, but our role in the community extends further than just maintaining the electricity network,” Fox said.

“We’re invested in helping our communities grow and are dedicated to improving the wellbeing of the people living on our network. So if there are any other groups out there needing help, now is the time to apply.”

Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) chair William Oliver said WESCT was hugely supportive of TLC providing financial assistance to local organisations doing good work.

“We think it’s a really important part of reaching into and supporting the community and we’d absolutely encourage groups to get their applications in before the next round closes at the end of this month,” he said.

TLC’s next community sponsorship round closes on October 31.  It will distribute the last of three $10,000 in grants to be offered this year. Application forms and sponsorship information can be found at thelinescompany.co.nz.

The fund focuses on supporting projects and organisations which add value to two key areas, energy efficiency and tamariki, rangatahi and whānau.