Community organisations receive support grants

Media release from SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust

1 October 2009

Community organisations receive support grants

Twenty-eight community organisations in the Queenstown-Lakes District have received a combined $80,000 in this year’s SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust funding round.

Now in its seventh year, the Trust has donated over $806,000 to over 200 community groups in the region as it provides support for the needs of the local community.

“The aim this year was to help improve community life and family well-being in Queenstown,” said Mary Stamers-Smith, Trust Chairperson. “It is our desire to help the community organisations that support local families.”

This year’s grants include $4177.40 to fund resources for a new classroom for autistic children, $3,590 to train two family support workers, $2,566.30 to provide victim support accommodation, $1,509 to purchase adaptive ski equipment, and $6,500 to assist with the erection of a timber bridge which will help preserve an archaeological site.

Michelle Baillie, Executive Manager SKYCITY Queenstown, said she is delighted with the distribution of this year’s funds.

“We feel it is important to give something back to the community, and I think the Trust has once again succeeded in helping a broad range of organisations and services,” she said.

Ms Baillie also announced with regret the retirement from the Trust of Mary Stamers- Smith.

“Mary is a founding member of the Trust and has provided seven years sterling service as Chairperson.  Mary has been instrumental in ensuring the equable distribution of SKYCITY Queenstown Casino Community Trust funds to over 200 Queenstown Lakes District community groups and initiatives. We are extremely grateful for her dedication to this position.”

Two new Trustees have been appointed to the Trust. They are Clark Pirie and Kim Wilkinson.

“We are pleased to welcome Clark and Kim who join current Trustees Jim Ryan and Vicki Buckham.  Our new Trustees each have prominent status within the community and have already helped us positively develop our fund distribution,” said Ms Baillie.

Applications for next year’s Trust grants will open again in June 2010.

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