Tiniroto School wins shade grant

Tiniroto School pupils will soon be enjoying extra shade while they eat their lunch and take part in a range of events such as sports days, thanks to a $2000 grant from Farmlands to create extra shade at the school.

The school, which has a roll of just 15, is one of seven rural primary schools throughout the North Island to receive the grant for shade.

The money was raised from ten ‘Ladies Nights’ fun events held by Farmlands in rural areas late last year.

Farmlands Innovation and Communications Manager, Allister Bathgate, says the idea for shading came from one of the team at Farmlands’ head office.

“He’s involved with his local school and was aware that creating adequate shade is a real issue in rural schools. They also find it more difficult to find funding for extras because their rolls and communities are smaller.”

More than 200 schools applied for the grants. They needed to be a North Island rural school and demonstrate a need for shade. Rural Women New Zealand managed the application process.

Allister says Farmlands initially selected five schools to receive $2000 each.

“But two of our sponsors of the ‘Ladies Nights’ events, Meridan Energy and FMG, also wanted to contribute. Farmlands found a bit of extra funding, so we had a total of $14,000 to distribute to seven schools.

Tiniroto School Principal, Rebecca Trafford, says the students were “very excited” to win the grant.

“We’re a small rural school, funding is always tight, and we are extremely appreciative of this grant.”

The money will be used for umbrellas for two picnic tables that can accommodate the whole school, and a sturdy portable gazebo to provide shade for events like sports and pet days.

“We had two shade cloths that have completely disintegrated, so the only shade we have was from buildings and trees, so the timing couldn’t be better.”

Allister says the Ladies Night programme was so successful, it will be repeated this year.

“We’re hoping to exceed our fundraising target to provide grants for another yet-to-be decided project to assist deserving rural schools.”

The other schools to receive grants were: Peria School (Kaitaia), Tutira School (Hawke’s Bay), Lichfield School (Putaruru), Rahotu School (Taranaki),Puahue School (Te Awamutu) and Mount Biggs School (Feilding).

ENDS

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