Children from Pukekohe North School will contribute to saving the environment by planting trees raised in their own grounds.
Franklin Local Board has approved a grant to the Trees for Survival Charitable Trust to allow it to buy two shade houses for the school.
“It’s great to have the next generation actively involved in work to protect an environment they are going to inherit,” board chair Andy Baker says.
Strong support for organisations working within the area’s schools, and with children in general, was a feature of the board’s latest Quick Response Fund grants.
Pukekohe Playcentre received a grant towards fruit trees, vegetables, a table, planter boxes and play equipment, Youthline for its services, Blue Light Ventures for a programme supporting disadvantaged children, and Waiuku’s Toy Library Family Fun Day was also supported.
The Beachlands Maraetai Pony Club will use its grant for arena filler and the Kokako Lodge Trust for climbing safety equipment.
With just over $18,000 in grants awarded, adults didn’t miss out either, with the Spud Union Singing Group getting venue hire assistance and the Anglican Parish of Clevedon supported for its concert series at St James Church in Ardmore.
The board also made two grants from its Costal Rescue Fund, $37,500 each to Coastguard Maraetai operational expenses, and Waiuku Search and Rescue’s fundraising to secure a new truck for towing its rescue vessels.
The fund is limited to $45,000 but the board was able to approve the use of $30,000 of unallocated budget from its community grants programme.
It has also made four Waterways Protection Fund grants.
Board member Alan Cole says with the last grant round undersubscribed, a rise in applications was welcome.
“Our efforts to make the fund more widely known have reached the community. We know people are doing good things, so it’s great they are accepting the help we can offer.”
Waterway grants are available for fencing and planting to reduce the potential for erosion and contamination by helping enhance land, streams, wetlands and waterways. Applicants must part-fund their project.
