Media Release – 27 June 2014

Winter Chill events fund applications now open

Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority Chief Executive Roger Sutton has welcomed a $50,000 contribution from Fletcher Building to help establish the Winter Chill event series for the young people of greater Christchurch, and is now calling on young people and organisations to come forward with proposals for events.

Winter Chill is a series of fun and exciting youth-led events and activities for young people aged 12-24. It has been developed in response to findings from the 2013 Youth Wellbeing Survey which highlighted the need for safe and enjoyable places to go and things to do.

“This significant contribution from Fletcher Building, alongside funding of up to $100,000 from the Ministry of Youth Development’s Canterbury Youth Initiatives Fund, means that young people will have heaps of great things to make this winter better for them,” says Mr Sutton.

“We know that young people are excited about the rebuild. Winter Chill is a chance for them to get out and make the most of what the city has to offer while having a fun time.”

Waimakariri Youth Council Chairperson Tayla Reece, Christchurch Youth Council Chairperson Hamish Keown, and Selwyn Youth Council member George Steele say they are excited to be working with other young people, CERA and other government agencies, and youth organisations to put these events together.

“There are so many amazing, creative ideas that can actually happen now there is events and initiatives funding available to groups like mine,” says Miss Reece.

“Young people are really keen to get back into the city and get involved, bringing more life back to Christchurch. To be able to give something to other young people at the same time is a great bonus,” says Mr Keown.

Mr Steele says: “It’s a chance for us all to get some valuable experience and build stronger links between young people in the region and with other parts of our communities.”

Applications for funding from the Winter Chill events fund are now open. Contact info@cera.govt.nz or go to www.cera.govt.nz/winterchill for application forms.

You can also find information at www.facebook.com/winterchillchch or follow Winter Chill on Instagram @winterchillchch.

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