Rowing and bowling in Central have received a boost from the Otago Community Trust (OCT) December founding round.

The Dunstan Arm Rowing Club (DARC) received $10,000 and Alexandra Bowling Club $8,000. 

Rowing coach Simon Smith said the grant was fantastic for the club which is hoping to purchase three new boats to replace the 30 year old ones in its sheds.

“It’s going to enable us to get a new double scull skiff for the kids,” he said.

The new boat, one of three that DARC needs, will cost approximately $20,000 and should be racing before the end of the season, in both the national club and schools championships.

“We are a volunteer club, most of our fundraising is by us…[doing things like] shovelling sheep poo. 

“We are really appreciative of the help from Otago Community Trust…it’s massive,” Simon said. 

The Alexandra Bowling Club is going to use the funding to assist with painting its building. 

Club manager Paul Jerrom said the goal was to get the premises painted externally in time for the Nationals in February.

“[Nationals will be] a huge event and will do great things for the community. We are grateful for the $8,000, it is a good start, and we hope it will cover painting the most urgent area - the roof. 

"There is a shortfall for the paint project, so the club is keen to secure support to carry out the work. Local businesses and supporters can get in touch with me if they can assist with sponsorship or fundraising," Paul said. 

Bowling underway in the Randle Christmas Triples at Alexandra Bowling Club on December 8

Other Central organisations to benefit from the funding round were: Cavalcade Host Town Committee ($6,000), Central Otago Regional Orchestra ($3,800), the Central Otago Friendship Network ($3,500), and Central Otago Compassionate Friends ($2,500). 

Across Otago grants went to multiple community and cultural organisations operating in Central such as Arts on Tour NZ ($20,000), Boys Brigade in NZ ($15,000), Age Concern Otago ($3,500), Alzheimers Society Otago ($3,500), Neighbours Day Aotearoa Charitable Trust ($3,000), and Blue Light Ventures Inc ($1,540). 

OCT approved over $960,000 to 57 organisations in December 2022, this included social services capability funding of $31,257 to eight social service organisations for capability-based initiatives in areas of governance and management. 

The December round concludes OCT grants for the year, grants resume in late February 2023.

For more on OCT see its website.