A Central Lakes Trust operational grant means Bone Marrow Cancer Trust (BMCT) could provide 250 nights' accommodation at Christchurch's Rānui House to help Central Lakes residents needing treatment. 

Central Lakes Trust (CLT) approved $911,875 in grants at their May board meeting in Cromwell. 

The funds were distributed as 13 operational grants and six project grants.

CLT grants manager Mat Begg said there are many charitable organisations in our region doing important work for our community.

“Through our operational grants we give these organisations peace of mind to focus on delivering their services without concern for covering their day-to-day costs. This is especially true for the smaller groups in our region.”

Bone Marrow Cancer Trust (BMCT) was granted $32,500 towards their operations in this round.

BMCT chief executive Mandy Kennedy said the continued support from CLT is invaluable to the organisation and the many patients and families who rely on BMCT services. 

“Last year alone, BMCT provided 250 nights of accommodation and support at Rānui House to patients and families from the CLT region who needed to travel to hospital in Christchurch for often life-saving medical treatment.” 

Mandy said with the opening of the new Rānui Apartments later this year, she anticipated this number will increase, allowing BMCT to support more families during challenging times.

Cystic Fibrosis NZ (CFNZ) also received a $11,000 operational grant.

CFNZ philanthropy manager Sue Radcliffe said Cystic Fibrosis (CF) can be very socially isolating and frightening for parents.

“CFNZ’s social work service becomes a lifeline as they learn to cope with the relentless care needs this condition requires. Our community support lead is a registered social worker who provides wrap-around lifelong support. 

“She attends CF clinics with caregivers to ensure each client receives optimal care, medication and treatment. She is in regular contact via freephone, email, video calls and travels to Central Otago conducting home visits assessing the physical, emotional and mental health needs of both the CF person and the caregivers.”

Other project grants for Central include $12,000 for the Otago Outdoor Education Trust to install a firewall and $40,000 for the At World’s Edge Festival 2024 (AWE), which features classical music performances across the Central Lakes region in Cromwell, Bannockburn, Wānaka and Queenstown. 

The Salvation Army received $155,000, and Parkinson’s New Zealand $10,000 both as operational grants. 

View all May grants on CLT’s website.