10 October 2006

Riverhead School, north of Kumeu, has taken another $160,000 step towards its new hall.

In its latest round of funding, ASB Community Trust granted $160,000 toward the half-million dollar project, which will create a facility big enough for the school’s entire roll of 245 students.

ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says an important factor in the Trust’s decision was the range of community benefits the multi-purpose hall will bring. Outside of school hours it will be available to community groups such as scouts, guides, drama and dance groups. Sporting codes such as karate, indoor soccer, indoor netball and gymnastics are also interested in using the facility.

The school is still about $50,000 short of its target, but fundraising is continuing.

Riverhead School is among a number of West Auckland organisations to gain ASB Community Trust funding this month.

Kelston’s Somali Concern Refugee & Migrant Organisation has been granted $36,000 toward its work in supporting the settlement of Somali refugees and migrants. Somali Concern will run programmes including basic literacy, positive parenting practices, confidence raising and teaching new migrants about New Zealand culture.

Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says Somalis represent the highest ethnic group of refugees in Auckland. “Many have arrived from refugee camps suffering post traumatic stress syndrome and serious health issues, she says. “There are a high number of solo mothers with large families who have lost their husbands to the civil war in Somalia.”

The Trust expects to see a number of community benefit outcomes from the programmes.

“Our Somali refugee citizens will gain a better understanding of New Zealand culture, our health education and welfare systems, as well as have opportunities to form relationships with other refugee families,” Ms Gill says.

Another West Auckland group, Helensville’s South Kaipara Mens Trust, was granted $30,000 towards the work of the Men and Family Centre, which provides programmes and services for men, young men and their families.

The Waitakere-based Auckland Women's Health Council, was granted $14,000 toward its work providing health information, referrals and support to women, women's groups and other community groups. And $68,000 was granted for improvements at Abbeyfield Auckland’s family-style accommodation for older people, in Sandringham.

ASB Community Trust decides on grants for projects in education, the arts, sport, recreation, environment, heritage, health and social services areas each month. At their September meeting trustees approved $2.5 million worth of grants, part of the $55 million granted to community group projects in Auckland and Northland each year.

Founded on the sale of its shares in the ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $500m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the Trust’s website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz

ENDS

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