TLC give helping hand to local organisations

17 April 2023

The Lines Company’s (TLC) sponsorship funding programme has seen over $100,000 distributed to local organisations since 2019.

The latest funding round which closed in March, has seen 11 local organisations granted a much-needed boost for their programmes and initiatives.

Mike Fox, TLC’s Chief Executive, says helping the community to thrive is an important part of operating the region’s electricity network.

“We’re here to do much more than keep the lights on, cellphones charged, refrigerators cold, and heat pumps on.

“Helping other local organisations to achieve their community goals also helps the district to thrive.

“Whether or not that’s through our support of Maru [Maru Energy Trust] who insulate and heat homes, the Gallagher Recreation Centre in Te Kūiti, the recent New Zealand Shearing Champs, through these sponsorship funding rounds, or other initiatives – we’re here supporting local.

“It’s great to see so many people benefit from our support, we know every little bit helps,” says Fox.

Priority was given to applicants who had not received funding before, initiatives which were focused on energy efficiency and youth/whānau, where the organisation had already raised money for their kaupapa, and the reach the project has into the community.

A total of 27 applications were received for this, the first of three funding rounds this year. The successful applicants were from a range of education, health care, sporting, and community-based entities.

Registered charity Taumarunui Menzshed were granted $500 to support their work. Operating in Taumarunui since 2015, the Menzshed volunteers undertake important community work – sharing their skills and completing practical tasks and projects for the benefit of others.

Altrusa Club Te Kūiti, a non-profit organisation undertaking a variety of service, literacy, fundraising and projects each year received $1,000 to go towards their rocket into reading programme.

Others receiving funding include:

• Te Kūiti Playcentre plan to invest in new climbing boxes, having attained $1,000 from TLC
• Te Kūiti School combined camp received $1,000 to go towards their Totara Springs Sports Camp
• Te Kūiti Kindergarten were granted $1,000 for playground equipment
• Mangakino Central Charitable Trust’s Mango Hub Youth Programme received $1,000
• Friends of Beattie Home secured $1,000 to help create a tranquil area for residents and visiting family
• Manunui Playcentre will replace their windows, installing energy efficient double-glazed ones with the help of $1,000 from TLC
• Te Kūiti High School’s $1,000 will go towards their 2023 Hillary Outdoor Education Camp
• Ōtorohanga Netball plan to install security lighting and received $750 towards the project
• Friends of Manunui School have obtained $750 for playground marking

TLC’s commitment to community causes is echoed by shareholder Waitomo Energy Services Customer Trust (WESCT). Together, both organisations are keenly focused on positive community outcomes.

Each year TLC budget $400,000 to support a range of initiatives through investment in sponsorship funding, community events, and partnerships with local organisations – as well supporting the work Maru Energy Trust do to help insulate and heat homes.

The second of three TLC sponsorship funding rounds this year opens on 1 June, with applications closing later the same month (30 June). Further information and the application form can be found here.