SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust Calls For Apps.

17 September 2003

Media Release For Immediate Publication

SkyCity Hamilton Community Trust Calls For Applications For Inaugural Funding Round

Applications are currently being sought for the first SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust funding round, which will provide grants to community groups and charitable organisations in the Waikato region over the next twelve months.

Advertising began in Waikato newspapers this week with the close-off date for applications being 30 October 2003.

The grant process involves the completion of an application form requiring organisations to submit comprehensive details for funding requests. Following the call for applications, the trustees of the SKYCITY Hamilton Trust will assess grant applications and the list of successful applicants will be confirmed in December 2003, with funds paid out soon after.

“The Trust funding is a positive way for SKYCITY Hamilton to contribute to the community in which it operates,” said Margaret Evans Chairperson, SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust.

“There are many worthy groups in the community doing excellent work for their various causes and we are looking forward to assisting a broad range of organisations in achieving their objectives,” she said.

General Manager Operations at SKYCITY Hamilton, Phil Keber, said that as the complex approaches its first year anniversary in the region, he is delighted that the Trust is beginning the funding process to assist local organisations.

“Contributing to the community is a key business philosophy for SKYCITY and enables us to extend the part we play in the Waikato community as an employer and purchaser of local goods. The SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust grants will benefit a range of additional community groups,” said Mr Keber.

The SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust was established in May this year and comprises seven local Trustees. They are Margaret Evans (Chair), former Mayor of Hamilton; Jean Vickridge, former Hamilton City Councillor; Peter Richardson of Catholic Social Services; Peter Henson, former General Manager of Waikato Times; Koro Wetere, former Cabinet Minister and Chair of Tainui Development Limited; John Gallagher of Gallagher Industries, currently Chancellor of the University of Waikato (former Deputy Mayor of Hamilton) and Lynda Keene, Chief Executive of Tourism Waikato.

SKYCITY Hamilton is part of the SKYCITY Entertainment Group, which established the SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust in 1996 and the SKYCITY Queenstown Community Trust in 2003.

Since its establishment, the SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust has donated a total of close to $12 million dollars to organisions in need.

Each year in September, the SKYCITY Hamilton Community Trust will invite applications for grants from charitable organisations and for community initiatives. Funds available for distribution by the Trust are 1.5% of the revenue from SKYCITY Hamilton’s casino operations.

For more information about the Trust, the criteria for applications or for an application form, please phone SKYCITY Hamilton on 07 834 4900 or fax 07 834-4901.

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