2020 FUNDING ROUND
Thanks to pass-through funding generously donated to us by the Otago Community Trust, we are thrilled to be able to support community groups and projects in the Clutha District in these early days while we work to build the community fund that will support our District in the long term.
DRIVE MY LIFE CLUTHA
The Drive My Life Clutha team, led by Rachel Harrison, is excited to be bringing this programme to the Clutha district. With the support of DRIVE MY LIFE Invercargill and Gore, as well as NZ Police, Clutha District Council, AA Express and ACC, the team has already run one successful programme in February 2020 and is hoping to run more over the course of the year. The DRIVE MY LIFE programme aims to support vulnerable people in the district to learn the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a full driver’s licence. Working with unemployed youth, young mothers and new migrants to the district, the team hopes the programme will not only help participants to be more successful when applying for jobs, but also encourage safe driving practices and increase safety on our roads.
We are pleased to be supporters of this worthwhile project that will benefit many people within our District, as well as contributing to community safety.
PROJECT BRUCE NINJA TRAINING
In the search for innovative ways to engage and invest in local youth, Project Bruce struck on the idea of facilitating “Ninja Training” – fire spinning workshops for young people held by Elder Flame, Dunedin Flow Arts. Fire spinning is an activity which is appealing to young people as it has an element of controlled risk which can channel energy in a constructive learning environment, and offers a chance to come together for an unusual and exciting activity to build confidence, self-control and motor skills in a “cool”, non-judgmental environment.
We are very happy to supporting something so exciting for young people in the Milton area.
BALCLUTHA GYMNASTIC CLUB
The Balclutha Gymnastic Club, run largely by dedicated volunteers, has been training gymnasts from every corner of South Otago for the past 12 years. It offers quality coaching to children of all ages who go on to compete at high levels nationally. It is a pleasure to be able to contribute towards a new beat board for the younger gymnasts.
BALCLUTHA PARENTS CENTRE
Balclutha Parents Centre hires out baby capsules to new parents around the Clutha District, as well as to visiting relatives who want to take baby for an outing. They are currently replacing capsules where the safety guarantee has expired and we are very pleased to be able to contribute to the purchase of new ones.
COUNTRY SAINTS NETBALL CLUB
The Country Saints Netball Club brings together the smaller schools of South Otago, those which have smaller rolls and would not have sufficient numbers to form a netball team on their own. The club does a fantastic job in providing opportunities for young netballers to develop their skills and love of the game. We are pleased to be able to make a contribution to support the club.
SOUTH WEST OTAGO SPORTS ACTIVATOR
South West Otago Sports Activator Programme involves 20 schools in the region and has been running for over 10 years, providing exposure, development and links to community sport for children in rural schools facing barriers due to population and isolation. The programme employs a full time sports activator, who travels to all schools in the cluster to provide regular sessions, focussing on the fundamental skills in a broad range of sports, supporting both students and teachers. It’s wonderful to be able to support such a worthwhile project.
PRESBYTERIAN SUPPORT OTAGO BUDDY PROGRAMME
Funding from Clutha Foundation will support Presbyterian Support Otago’s Buddy Programme in South Otago. Through this well-managed and effective programme, adults around South Otago spend quality time with a child or young person who needs extra support. They engage in activities that both Buddies enjoy, encouraging positive interests, attitudes, values and behaviours. The relationships thus formed are transformative and can last a lifetime. We are very proud to be supporting such an amazing programme.
SOUTH OTAGO KINDERGARTEN ASSOCIATION
The South Otago Kindergarten Association’s Support Sport Programme has been running since 2011 and is aimed at supporting young children to develop life skills such as interacting positively with others, self-regulating, safely expressing emotions, and physical confidence and co-ordination. The Association employs a sports trainer who works with the children with no cost to whanau, so all can benefit. It has a significant effect on self-esteem and behaviour, and we are pleased to be able to contribute to the continuing work of this excellent programme
LAWRENCE SKATE PARK
This project was initiated by a group of 10 students who wanted to make a change within the community. They wanted to create a space where teenagers, who have outgrown the playground, could congregate and be active, but also be safe and not create a nuisance. Through the determination of these young people and the community support they initiated, the Lawrence Skate Park Incorporated Society was formed, and plans for the skate park’s development are underway. We are very pleased to be able to support such a wonderful initiative in our District.