Central Lakes Trust steps up to fund gaps in school funding due to COVID-19.

Schools often rely on gaming machine or other community funding to supplement the costs of extracurricular activities. In the absence of this funding over the past few months, due to COVID-19, a one-off Central Lakes Trust initiative has been created.

“We have put together a package to ensure extracurricular activities can continue to be funded through schools. The imposed constraints COVID-19 have placed on us all, has affected our young too,” says Trust Chief Executive, Susan Finlay.

The funding initiative aims to assist in the recovery and wellbeing of the young in our region.

“Supporting the schools to deliver some form of normal, assists in not only building their resilience but has a positive impact on families within our wider community.”

$235,000 is being granted to the schools within the Central Lakes region. Each of the 27 schools will receive an allocation of funding, based on their roll.

Mat Begg, Grants Manager for the Trust says, “We have had positive feedback already; some already know where their funds will go.”

Clyde Primary School Principal, Doug White made the initial request and says the funding is wonderful and very timely.

“For Clyde Primary School this funding gives our students some sense that the world is returning to normal.

“It’s pretty awesome, and has made my day; in terms of student wellbeing this funding will support our winter sports programme. I have just spoken with our senior students who are excited and planning the annual three-night ski camp to Coronet Peak. This camp has been a fixture in our winter programme for 15 years,” he adds.

“For our junior school it will mean a mixture of ice skating and curling in Alexandra, or a day trip to the Snow Farm.

“Our schools are enriched by cultural and sporting activities, for us to be able to ensure these continue for all students, is wonderful,” he says.

ABOUT THE CENTRAL LAKES TRUST

Central Lakes Trust is a charitable trust that grant funds for charitable purposes.

It is the largest philanthropic trust per capita in the Southern Hemisphere. The trust purpose is to make a positive lasting contribution to the community by supporting charitable projects throughout Central Lakes; to enhance our community and the lives of the people within.

Since its inception in 2000 the Trust has grown its asset base from the $155m, bestowed by the Otago Central Electric Power Trust to assets totalling $380m, and has distributed more than $100m into a wide range of community projects and services throughout the Central Lakes area.

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