15 March 2006

Not-for-profit groups supporting disabled people have been given almost $500,000 in the latest round of grants from the ASB Trusts.

Whangarei’s One Double Five Whare Roopu Community House has been granted $165,000 to support its community work – including whanau support, free legal advice, an alternative education programme and a film unit which gives students acting, directing and film production skills.

ASB Trusts CEO Jennifer Gill said the grantmaker is pleased to be supporting a project which is so heavily involved in the community.

“Carol Peters, the co-ordinator, and her staff have a huge amount of energy to address social issues in Whangarei,” she said.

Meanwhile, Whangarei’s Arataki Ministries has been granted $180,000 by the ASB Trusts for its work in the mental health sector.

In 2004 Arataki Ministries’ residential care facility was destroyed by fire. It plans to replace the facility with a number of one and two-bedroom flats, where residents can get used to living in a typical community environment.

The work of New Zealand CCS Auckland is also being supported by the ASB Trusts, with a $112,408 grant approved for repair and upgrade projects.

The group, which provides service and support to people with disabilities, wants to refurbish its holiday home in Orewa, which is used by disabled people and their families. It also wants to refurbish its respite care house in Takanini and upgrade offices.

The money will also assist with resource development, newsletter production and website development where people with disabilities, and their families, can link up and support each other.

It will help cover the production costs of a regional newsletter which provides information to disabled people, their family or whanau and organisations, as well as creating positive working environments for staff who help people with disabilities to access meaningful and valued lives in their communities.

The ASB Trusts decides on grants to community groups each month. At their February meeting trustees approved grants worth a total of $4.5 million for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, health and social services areas. It is part of about $50 million given to community groups in Auckland and Northland each year.

Founded on the sale of shares in the ASB bank, the ASB Trusts has granted more than $400m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation. For more details about applying, visit the ASB Trusts’ website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media