Less than a month out from the official opening of Carterton’s new multi-purpose community centre, large donations from local and national organisations are continuing to come in. Pelorus Trust, Lions Club of Carterton and Rotary Club of Carterton are amongst the latest supporters of the centre, due to open later this month.
Pelorus Trust last month confirmed an additional $100,000 grant for the project, to add to $50,000 granted last November. The Wellington-based trust distributes funds to support community projects and initiatives between Kaitaia and Christchurch through charitable, sporting or other community-based organisations.
The Lions Club of Carterton has donated $10,000 and pledged another $10,000 donation to be made later this year. “It’s a very worthwhile amenity for the community which hopefully will be used to its maximum,” said Lions Club of Carterton president, Kim McMillan. “All of our work revolves around helping the community and our 49 members felt that after our $25,000 donation to Ronald McDonald House last year that we should support our local community this year.”
The 22-member Carterton Rotary Club has donated $5,000 to the project. Other recent donations include $500 from the International Year of the Forest in recognition of the extensive use of timber in the centre.
The Carterton Events Centre Trust has now raised more than $1.35 million of its $1.5 million fundraising target to help with the construction of the centre.
“The response from the local community and others who see the regional benefits of the centre has been fantastic, especially over the past six months,” said Events Centre Trust chairman John Greenwood. “People who have been through the centre are excited about it and that is translating into the financial support needed to reach out goal.”
Mr Greenwood said more than $507,000 of the funds raised to date had come from Carterton community groups, trusts, businesses and individuals. “The whole community has got behind this project and they are about to start enjoying the benefits of having this wonderful facility they can use in almost whatever way they want.”
Other major grants to the project have come from the Lottery Community Facilities Fund, Carterton and District Community Trust, Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund, Eastern and Central Community Trust, Infinity Foundation, Women’s Division of Federated Farmers Hall Trust Board and Carterton New World.
The council-owned centre in Holloway Street includes a fully-restored and extended public library and a new auditorium able to host performing arts, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events. A youth centre will provide a robust, dedicated space for young people and children will benefit from new Plunket rooms and the toy library. A large foyer doubles as an art exhibition area and information centre. Modern meeting rooms will provide comfortable places where locals and visitors can gather. |
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