Latest news with #NZCT
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
$80K Boost From NZCT Helps Cystic Fibrosis Community Breathe Easier
Press Release – NZ Community Trust Breath 4 CF removes financial barriers for individuals and whnau by covering costs for personalised activities that keep lungs strong and minds healthy from surf lessons and gym memberships to dancing, drumming, or trampolining. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) an $80,000 grant towards the Breath 4 CF programme — a vital physical activity initiative that helps people with cystic fibrosis stay active and live well. CFNZ Chief Executive Lisa Burns says, 'Thanks to this generous funding from NZCT, we'll be able to continue delivering high-quality support that makes physical activity possible for hundreds of people with CF, right from birth.' Breath 4 CF removes financial barriers for individuals and whānau by covering costs for personalised activities that keep lungs strong and minds healthy — from surf lessons and gym memberships to dancing, drumming, or trampolining. For those with CF, exercise isn't optional — it's essential for managing symptoms, reducing infections, and improving long-term outcomes. The CF community highly values the programme. Nearly 400 applications were approved last year alone, with over $88,000 distributed to help people stay active in ways that suit their interests and needs. Ben Prince-Saxon, a 24-year-old adult living with cystic fibrosis is on a mission named '12 in 12' which will see him run twelve marathons over the course of a year to raise awareness and funds for kiwis living with CF. Ben says, ' The Breath 4 CF grant has been used every year to pay for football fees, new boots, and now running shoes to keep me injury-free'. Charley Cameron, a 14-year-old student, hip hop dancer, and member of world champion crew NOVA adds 'Living with CF has presented a lot of challenges, but it has never stopped me from pursuing my passions. Dancing has been a source of strength and resilience throughout my journey with CF and keeps me fit.' Joelle Dunlop, mother of 6-year-old Lincoln with CF says 'The Breath 4 CF grant gives Lincoln the opportunity to participate in hip hop classes (he's a brilliant dancer) and plays rugby. He can't wait to get on the field on Saturdays! The grant will not only help cover the costs of raising a medically high needs child but also encourage and empower us as parents to emphasise the importance of the most accessible form of lung function treatment – exercise.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges says, 'We're delighted to be able to help CFNZ ensure people living with CF don't face any financial barriers to participation in the holistic benefits of sport and active recreation. Having supported the programme with $80k last year as well, the stories coming out of Breath 4 CF are really inspiring. Our support wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming fundraising partnerships we share with our local venues nationwide.' Notes: Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) was founded in 1968 to deliver a range of vital services in order to extend and improve the lives of those living with CF. They support many of the more than six hundred people and their families affected by cystic fibrosis in New Zealand, working with people from diagnosis to change the trajectory of their lives. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities.
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
$80K Boost From NZCT Helps Cystic Fibrosis Community Breathe Easier
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) an $80,000 grant towards the Breath 4 CF programme — a vital physical activity initiative that helps people with cystic fibrosis stay active and live well. CFNZ Chief Executive Lisa Burns says, 'Thanks to this generous funding from NZCT, we'll be able to continue delivering high-quality support that makes physical activity possible for hundreds of people with CF, right from birth.' Breath 4 CF removes financial barriers for individuals and whānau by covering costs for personalised activities that keep lungs strong and minds healthy — from surf lessons and gym memberships to dancing, drumming, or trampolining. For those with CF, exercise isn't optional — it's essential for managing symptoms, reducing infections, and improving long-term outcomes. The CF community highly values the programme. Nearly 400 applications were approved last year alone, with over $88,000 distributed to help people stay active in ways that suit their interests and needs. Ben Prince-Saxon, a 24-year-old adult living with cystic fibrosis is on a mission named '12 in 12' which will see him run twelve marathons over the course of a year to raise awareness and funds for kiwis living with CF. Ben says, ' The Breath 4 CF grant has been used every year to pay for football fees, new boots, and now running shoes to keep me injury-free'. Charley Cameron, a 14-year-old student, hip hop dancer, and member of world champion crew NOVA adds 'Living with CF has presented a lot of challenges, but it has never stopped me from pursuing my passions. Dancing has been a source of strength and resilience throughout my journey with CF and keeps me fit.' Joelle Dunlop, mother of 6-year-old Lincoln with CF says 'The Breath 4 CF grant gives Lincoln the opportunity to participate in hip hop classes (he's a brilliant dancer) and plays rugby. He can't wait to get on the field on Saturdays! The grant will not only help cover the costs of raising a medically high needs child but also encourage and empower us as parents to emphasise the importance of the most accessible form of lung function treatment - exercise.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges says, 'We're delighted to be able to help CFNZ ensure people living with CF don't face any financial barriers to participation in the holistic benefits of sport and active recreation. Having supported the programme with $80k last year as well, the stories coming out of Breath 4 CF are really inspiring. Our support wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming fundraising partnerships we share with our local venues nationwide.' Notes: Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) was founded in 1968 to deliver a range of vital services in order to extend and improve the lives of those living with CF. They support many of the more than six hundred people and their families affected by cystic fibrosis in New Zealand, working with people from diagnosis to change the trajectory of their lives. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities. More on NZCT's grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand:
Scoop
30-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
Press Release – NZCT The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event theyre a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldnt be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues, says … New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events.' This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
A Sporting Chance: NZCT Backs Special Olympics With $250,000 Grant
New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded a grant of $250,000 to Special Olympics New Zealand to fund event costs for the National Summer Games (NSG)— making it possible for more athletes with an intellectual disability to take part in what is to be the largest-ever iteration of the NSG this December in Christchurch. Mark Davies, Special Olympics New Zealand's Finance and Funding Manager, says the funding comes at a crucial time. 'Special Olympics operates within a four-year cycle, the pinnacle event of which is our National Summer Games. This year, from 10-14 December, 1,400 athletes plus 450 coaches and support workers will arrive in Christchurch to participate in the Games. 'Our athletes spend years qualifying for these Games by attending local and regional events that test their capacity to travel, compete, and stay away from home independently. Over the past few years, our qualifying events have seen a significant increase in participation and we're on track for the largest National Summer Games in history. 'From the moment team members arrive in Christchurch, we take care of all their needs, including (but not limited to) transport, accommodation, health screenings, meals, and scheduling. A significant part of this generous grant from NZCT will be used for transporting our athletes from their accommodations to (and between) different events." This year's Games will feature ten sports across seven venues, including athletics, swimming, football, basketball, golf, equestrian, indoor bowling, ten pin bowling, bocce, and power lifting. Over 700 volunteers will help make it all happen — from running events to ensuring medical support is on hand. Special Olympics requires a 1:4 coach-to-athlete ratio to ensure all athletes receive the right level of care and support. Athlete Leader Ryan says, 'I enjoy the National Summer Games because there isn't the same level of pressure that you get in mainstream sport. It's all about smiles and everyone having fun.' Fellow Athlete Leader Chrissa says, 'For the first time in my life, I realised that those with disabilities can still hold strong opinions and compete enthusiastically, just like everyone else.' Athlete Leader Shanae, adds 'Because of the Special Olympics programme, I was able to participate in sports for the first time ever when I was fifteen years old.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, says, ''We're proud to support Special Olympics New Zealand in delivering such a meaningful and inclusive event. The National Summer Games are more than just a sporting event — they're a celebration of ability, determination, and community. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues.'
Scoop
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Scoop
$150K Slam Dunk: Titahi Bay School Scores Big With Covered Court Boost
Press Release – NZCT Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Titahi Bay School a $150,000 grant to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) canopy over the school's basketball courts—ensuring students and the wider Porirua community can play, learn, and connect all year round. Titahi Bay School takes great pride in being a community-centred kura and has long been a beacon of community engagement, offering out of hours community access to the school's a pump track, turf field, and basketball courts. Principal Matthew Tilley says, 'Our basketball league brings together forty teams from Porirua and Tawa primary schools, creating a vibrant hub of community activity. Thanks to this generous NZCT grant, the new canopy will allow us to run the league year-round—rain or shine—giving our tamariki more opportunities to play, stay active, and develop their skills. Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. It also provides a welcoming space for the whole school to gather—offering shade in summer, shelter in winter, and a lasting symbol of the strength of community partnerships and our shared commitment to healthy, active lifestyles for generations to come.' Jacinta Kelleher, Head of Sport, adds 'A gymnasium is often not financially realistic for primary schools, so this canopy is the next best thing.' NZCT's GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, 'This project ticks all the boxes—sport, culture, learning, and connection—and we're thrilled to be part of it. Grants like this wouldn't be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues Legends Bar, the Mariner, and the Sandbar Mana. Notes: Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to the beach and harbour. They have New Entrants to Year 6 children and are a vibrant school which embraces the cultural traditions found within their diverse group of students. New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities. More on NZCT's grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.
