East Tamaki-based community organisation The Toy Library Howick & Pakuranga is one of thirty-eight Auckland charities receiving a financial boost, thanks to this year’s Grassroots Giving Programme.
Part of the Auckland Foundation’s annual granting, the programme is enabled by the generosity of the Tindall Foundation and supports specific initiatives, such as youth development, literacy and numeracy, and migrant and refugee services.
Auckland Foundation CEO, Dellwyn Stuart says: “Grassroots organisations are the glue that binds our communities. These aren’t the big glamorous charities, but often local people who have seen an opportunity to make a difference and are making it happen. It is exactly these types of organisations that the Grassroots Giving Programme is seeking to support, and give a hand up to.”
“The Grassroots Giving Programme is also an opportunity for us as grantmakers to see where there are emerging community needs, and where there is still work to be done.”
“A key area that stood out for us this year is the continued need to tackle the issues of violence and poverty, and to support our youth and refugee and migrant communities. There are organisations out there striving to make inter-generational change, and it’s wonderful that we’re able to support them.”
Primarily run by volunteers, The Toy Library gives families the opportunity to rent quality toys and games for their children at affordable cost – and provides children with educational play experiences they may not otherwise be able to access.
Chairperson Annette McElwee says: “We can’t emphasise enough the difference that the Grassroots Giving Fund has made to us.”
“We are a very small organisation and receiving this financial support means such a lot to us. While we continue to fundraise, we cannot compete with bigger organisations and therefore rely on grants to support us with certain projects and our operating costs.”
“Children learn to make sense of their world, develop social and emotional skills, cognitive, language and physical skills through play. This grant allows us to keep functioning, and focus on the importance of play to the families who use our service.”
The Grassroots Giving Programme will open again for applications in 2018. Details on how to apply will be made available on the Auckland Foundation website www.aucklandfoundation.org.nz.
