Mazda Foundation continues to assist New Zealand communities

The latest round of Mazda Foundation funding has seen 17 grants given to community organisations,schools and individuals nationwide.

Over $53,000 was donated, with more than half of the grants going to children and educational institutions across the country.

Flat Bush School in Otara, South Auckland, received $1,014 to fund a trip for two brave Christchurchstudents to travel to Auckland for an unforgettable school camp and relief after a turbulent year.

Following the February earthquake, two Year Six students from Bromley School in Christchurch enrolled to attend Flat Bush School as their own school had been closed due to earthquake damage.

Following the girls’ return to Christchurch, Louise Turner, Associate Principal of Flat Bush School, saidafter their first visit, the school was determined to get the girls back up to Auckland for the Year Sixcamp in November.

“During their stay at Flat Bush, the girls’ resilience and positive attitudes had a significant impact onboth our staff and students,” says Turner. “Through the help of the Mazda Foundation, the girls were not only able to participate in a wide range of outdoor pursuits at the camp, but also gain somerespite in what has been a truly traumatic year.”Andrew Clearwater, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says it is wonderful to have the opportunity to assist so many New Zealand children and community organisations.

“We feel very privileged to be able to help these kids in the challenges they face,” says Clearwater.“The stories of courage and tenacity which we have heard from children and educators through thisfunding round have been inspiring.“Beyond the education and youth grants, the Foundation has presented funds to communityorganisations that work tirelessly to create better opportunities for others,” adds Clearwater.

Other grants this round included funding for new tools for MenzShed Wellington, plants at Dunedin Rudolph Steiner School, a field trip for students at Seabrook McKenzie Trust and new Kapahaka costumes for Te Kura Kaupapa Maori o Otepou.

The Mazda Foundation was established in 2005 to provide assistance to environmental, educational,skills development, cultural and community projects. It is funded through a contribution from thesales of every new Mazda in New Zealand, support from Mazda’s dealership network and dedicatedfundraising activity by Mazda New Zealand.

There are three closing dates each year for applications to the Mazda Foundation. The next closingdate is 31 March 2012. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.