Southbridge Playcentre Incorporated believe that young children learn best through play when the children lead the lessons. Southbridge Playcentre received a grant of $947.01 to purchase an ‘Outdoor Mud Station’ where children can play by pretending to cook with mud, sand, and water. Activities such as this are how children start to develop fine motor skills and social skills.

Suryashobha Herle received a grant of $6,456.10 for her son Atul who suffers from Cerebral Palsy. The money will go towards an ultralight manual wheelchair to replace his current power wheelchair which he uses for school. The new wheelchair will allow him to be more active and independent in the community and enable him to participate fully in the many outdoor activities he enjoys.

Totara Park Playcentre is a parent-led early childhood education centre that believe in families learning and growing together. To maintain a safe environment, it received a grant of $625.95 for five first aid refresher courses and one grab and go bag in case of an emergency.

Turitea Marae received a grant of $2,556.57 to survey their land as part of its Marae Development Plan. This project gives the community the foundation to move forward with redevelopment plans focused on realising their ancestor’s vision. The grant also included funds for an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) kit for the community with lifesaving equipment needed in emergencies.

Upper Hutt Community Youth Trust received $1,450 to purchase a grinder for its barista training school. The school has more than 80 rangatahi in its programme next year, which features NCEA credits and an industry standard certificate. It is just one of the Trust’s projects designed to create a better future for the young people of Upper Hutt.

Waikato Community Hospice Trust supports patients and their whānau to make the most out of every moment they have left. The hospice received a grant of $2,677 to purchase two handheld Pulse Oximeters which significantly reduces discomfort for patients.

Waipukurau Little Theatre received $4,200 for new LED stage lights and a smoke generator. The new equipment will be used for shows the non-profit organisation produces. Each year it creates two or three shows to provide youth with the opportunity to experience and participate in the performing arts.

Wanganui Surf Lifeguard Service (WSLS) has been safeguarding Whanganui’s beaches for more than 100 years and is one of the oldest clubs in New Zealand. WSLS received a grant of $4,200 to purchase specialist body boards for its junior members to kickstart their education around water safety and surf lifesaving.

Wilflife.ai Trust received $4,200 to develop and teach educational courses for year 6-8 students. The courses are designed with a “learn by doing” hands on approach for biology, maths, and digital technologies. They include quizzes, educational videos and learning activities where students engage with scientific research and create learning models that process environmental data.

BirdCare Aotearoa provides professional care and rehabilitation for sick, injured, and orphaned wild birds. The trust received a grant of $2,816 to purchase two infusion pumps and two cold laser therapy units, critical lifesaving veterinary equipment. This equipment will help BirdCare Aotearoa to continue its work caring for and protecting New Zealand birds.