Kids will be making some flash sandcastles at Mason Avenue Kindergarten after Franklin Local Board granted the early childhood learning facility $2000 to redevelop its sandpit.
The money comes from the board’s quick response grants fund. The Waiuku Toy Library was also granted $1160 towards its Children's Day on Wheels event, and the Beachlands Toy Library received $1400 for various improvements.
The future of Bombay Scouts is also a little rosier, with an $876 grant for improvements to the hall.
Even Santa got a look-in, with a $2000 grant to the Clevedon Business Association for costs associated with the popular markets and annual Christmas parade.
Film-maker Simon Huggett got $570 for his 'I am Franklin' short film, and there was $2000 to support the Onion Festival.
Other successful applicants included Bombay Lions for costs around its Early Settlers Fun Run, the Franklin Woodturners Club, the Beachlands Community Trust, the Pohutukawa Coast Presbyterian Church, the Franklin Fuchsia Group, and the RSA Franklin Pipe Band, which received $2000 to ensure the skirl of the pipes continues to be heard.
The Beachlands Chartered Club received the same amount for its annual fishing competition, while Waiuku’s golf and squash club even got a new leaf blower in time for Christmas.
Overall more than $20,000 was contributed to community groups.
Board chair Angela Fulljames said helping community groups was a highlight for board members.
“We are lucky to have so many great groups in our community and nearly all of them are run off the back off countless hours put in by volunteers, so being able to help in a small way is always rewarding.”
Board member Malcolm Bell, pictured above with Beachlands Toy Library's Betty Wilkins, said it was great to see the fund being shared so widely across the Franklin board area.
“I know Betty and the team at the toy library, and the community trust are both very grateful. Like a lot of community groups, funding is a challenge.”
