TLC funding in time for Christmas
8 December 2023
Christmas has come early for 13 community groups that have successfully won funding from The Lines Company (TLC).
TLC has announced its last community grants for the year, supporting mahi ranging from first response training to assisting a King Country pipe band.
TLC chief executive Mike Fox, who helps assess the applications, said he was always blown away by the amount of work being done by volunteers right across the network area.
“This community runs on people helping people and as part of this community, we want to support that kaupapa as much as we can,” Mike said.
“We know our contribution is not necessarily providing added extras; in many cases it’s propping up essential work that as a community, we need to value. So it’s a pretty nice thing to be able to announce the grants in the lead up to Christmas.”
Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT) is the 100 per cent owner of TLC and helps guide the community funding programme. Chair William Oliver said it was great to see applications for the TLC community fund continue to come in, and to see them come from a wide variety of groups.
“WESCT strongly encourages any group to make an application. The money is there to support community work and it costs nothing to apply.”
Groups to receive funding include: Ngāti Turangitukua Charitable Trust ($1,000 towards a barbeque for community use); Arohena Ngaroma First Aid Response Group ($1,000 for level 3 first response training); Waitomo Waipā Women’s Refuge ($1,000 towards the community hub); Mangakino District Services & Citizens Club ($750 towards a marquee); Ōwhango Alive Society Incorporated ($500 to repair pest traps); Coast Sports & Athletics Club ($1,000 for the annual sports day); Ōtorohanga Primary School Whānau Committee ($1,000 for playground equipment); Te Kūiti Bowling Club ($1,000 towards security); Budget House Tūrangi ($1,000 for equipment); Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Ltd ($1,000 toward energy education and efficiency); Te Kūiti & Districts Pipe Band ($500 to help with camp costs); Aria Toy Library ($750 for outdoor toys); Aria Playcentre ($500 to go towards seating).
TLC’s next community funding round closes on March 31, 2024. Application forms and sponsorship information is already online 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.