Jetstar grant enables Crohn’s and Colitis Trust youth camp

$30,000 Jetstar grant enables Crohn’s and Colitis Trust youth camp

Crohn’s and Colitis Charitable Trust awarded $30,000 Jetstar Flying Start grant

Funds support first NZ-based camp for children and teenagers with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Grant brings young people together from around the country to share experiences

The Crohn’s and Colitis New Zealand Charitable Trust (CCNZ) was today announced as the 11th recipient of a Jetstar Flying Start Programme grant, receiving $15,000 cash and $15,000 in travel to host the first NZ-based camp for children and teenagers living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

The one-week summer CCNZ Children and Teen's camp will be held in late January next year at Auckland’s YMCA Camp Adair, attended by 48 young people aged 10-19 from all over New Zealand who live with IBD.

New Zealand has the world’s highest incidence rate of IBD with an estimated 20,000 people living with the disease.

CCNZ was established in early 2010 to respond to the needs of patients across New Zealand by funding research to find better therapies and work towards an eventual cure.

Trust chairman Brian Poole said the trust works with a limited budget and the grant has made it possible to bring young people from across the country to Auckland to benefit from the camp.

“Dealing with IBD as a child is incredibly challenging. Our vision is to help these children cope with their disease, build self-confidence and prepare them for life.

“The Jetstar Flying Start grant will help make our vision a reality by enabling us to bring these children together for a meaningful and transformational experience at the camp at no cost to their families.”

Grant Kerr, head of Jetstar New Zealand, said the camp will offer a very positive benefit to IBD patients and their families.

“Inflammatory Bowel Disease affects a huge number of New Zealanders and through this partnership we hope to help CCNZ raise awareness as well as give young patients a meaningful opportunity to meet and talk with others in a similar situation while enjoying the outdoors and having fun.”

Mr Kerr said that since its inception in early 2012 the Jetstar Flying Start Programme has awarded $330,000 in travel and cash grants to eleven New Zealand not-for-profit organisations.

Grants are awarded quarterly and applications for the next grant close at 5.00pm 31 December 2014. Any New Zealand based not-for-profit community group or organisation in need of a Flying Start is encouraged to apply.

Full application details and conditions can be found at www.jetstar.com.

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