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Funding For Good - Christchurch Airport Champions Everyday Heroes
Christchurch Airport supports local communities through its Community Fund, helping nineteen exceptional organisations deliver projects that make a real difference.
To mark the occasion, recipients were welcomed to the airport for a morning tea, where they shared powerful stories about their work and how the grants would help them continue their impact. Many of these organisations support young people, whānau in need, and some of the most disadvantaged in our communities. With over forty-five applicants, Airport CEO Justin Watson said the selection process was challenging, with recipients chosen for the impact their work would have on sustainability, safety and wellbeing, and innovation.
“Every one of the applications had merit. These organisations are the heart of our communities, choosing final recipients was tough because the need is real, and the work they all do is inspiring.”
Real impact, right where it's needed.
From tackling food insecurity to boosting youth resilience, the funded projects span a wide range of community needs:
Kairos Food Rescue will boost their infrastructure and improve food redistribution logistics ,helping reduce food waste and feed vulnerable families. Christine Lane, Kairos’ funding co-ordinator said, “Strengthening our infrastructure will let us respond quicker, waste less, and feed more, this funding is a game-changer for our logistics.”
Orange Sky Aotearoa will launch a new mobile laundry and shower shift in New Brighton, bringing dignity to people experiencing homelessness. “Support like this means we can meet people where they are, build trust, and offer not just hygiene, but human connection” said Orange Sky Fundraising Coordinator Liz Henry.
Diamond Harbour Youth and Community Trust will run its school breakfast club for a full year with the funds donated by the airport, fostering student engagement, wellbeing, and responsibility through shared food. Trust youth worker Deborah Swaney said, “This funding lets us offer consistency, young people will know there will be kai, care, and connection waiting for them each morning and energising them for a day of learning.”
Lincoln Scout Group will invest in clean-up gear for local environmental projects led by scouts, cubs, and keas. “This is hands-on learning at its best, giving young people the tools to make a difference where they live,” said Melisa Freeman the Scout Group Treasurer.
The airport event offered more than just a cuppa, said Communications Manager Sean Tully,
“There was aroha in every conversation, we heard from people quietly making a huge difference. Our role is simply to provide some funding to lift them up a little higher.”
Applications for the next round of funding will open soon, keep an eye on the airport website and social media for details.
Notes:
The full list of recipients below
| Kairos Food Rescue | Funding to install prefabs for hosting meetings with partner organisations, improving collaboration and coordination in redistributing surplus food to food-insecure families and reducing food waste. |
| Avonhead Community Trust | Avonhead Community Trust’s Boys Skills Club supports boys at Russley School who struggle academically or socially, helping them learn practical skills, teamwork, and positive values. |
| The White Room Creative Space (SPAN Charitable Trust / SkillWise) | The White Room Creative Space removes barriers for people with learning difficulties to participate in the arts. The programme supports over 60 artists weekly with materials, professional support, and a safe, inclusive space. |
| 38 Squadron Air Training Corps – Wigram | Funding for VHF radios and headlamps to improve cadet safety and communication during remote training camps. The equipment will support cadet development, leadership skills, and ensure well-managed outdoor activities. |
| Neighbourhood Trust | Funding to install an irrigation system in Mairehau Neighbourhood Garden. The project increases food production, supports the local foodbank, and enhances food security, education, and wellbeing in the community. |
| Yaldhurst School Tōtara Tūkaha PTA | Funding to resurface school pool and install shade sails, ensuring it remains a safe recreational space accessible to students and the wider community during summer holidays. |
| Orange Sky Aotearoa | Funding to establish a new laundry and shower shift in New Brighton, providing essential hygiene services to those experiencing homelessness. The initiative fosters dignity, safety, and positive social connections. |
| Burwood hospital | Burwood Hospital's courtyard redevelopment will create a therapeutic garden, improving recovery, wellbeing, and rehabilitation outcomes, especially for dementia patients. |
| Oak Development Trust | Funding for tools to launch Riccarton Tool Shed, providing affordable tool access for low-income families and fostering sustainable DIY projects and community engagement. |
| Lincoln Scout Group | Funding for litter pickers and bag holders to assist scouts, cubs, and keas with local environmental clean-ups, benefitting the local community and public spaces. |
| Canterbury Blue Light | Funding to run BBQs in schools, allowing police volunteers to build positive relationships with primary students. The initiative reduces barriers between police and the community, decreasing youth crime risk and fostering trust. |
| Lions Club of Christchurch South | Support for local initiatives, including sending children with cancer to Camp Quality and providing tickets to their Magic Show, fostering community wellbeing and inclusion. |
| Diamond Harbour Youth and Community Trust | Diamond Harbour Youth and Community Trust operates a school breakfast club, offering nutritious breakfasts to promote attendance, engagement, and student wellbeing. Students also help prepare food, fostering responsibility and community participation. |
| YSAR (Youth Search and Rescue) Trust | Funding for GPS devices, enhancing youth search and rescue training. The programme develops students' safety skills, resilience, and leadership, building a highly skilled volunteer force. |
| PILLAIYAR KOVIL TRUST (Christchurch Hindu Temple) | Support for developing community gardens, native planting, and wellness spaces at Christchurch Hindu Temple. The project promotes sustainability, cultural connection, and health through shared gardens, meditation, and yoga spaces. |
| Canterbury Astronomical Society | Funding for new equipment to support children, special needs, and underprivileged youth education programmes, promoting science literacy and inclusivity. |
| Youth SouthWest Christchurch Trust (YSWC) | Supports diverse youth in Hornby and Selwyn by fostering leadership, resilience, and positive community connections. The initiative helps young people navigate life challenges, build leadership skills, and strengthen their sense of belonging within their schools and wider communities. |
| The National Foundation for The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Manatopu Incorporated | Funding to distribute Sound Monkey Devices to preschools and kindergartens in Christchurch. The programme educates young tamariki on the importance of safe listening and awareness of noise levels, preventing future hearing issues. |
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