A programme which helps insulate the homes of low-income families has been granted $50,000 by the Otago Community Trust.
In its October round of funding, the trust distributed $368,000 to 37 organisations, chief executive Keith Ellwood said.
The insulation programme, facilitated by the Otago Regional Council in collaboration with the Environment Ministry and the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA), has insulated more than 700 homes and helped put in 400 EECA-approved heating appliances in Alexandra, Cromwell, Arrowtown, Clyde and Milton.
Not only does it provide warmth, but improves health, especially for children suffering from asthma, project co-ordinator Jeff Donaldson, the council's regional services group manager, said.
It was also starting to have an effect on air quality in Otago as open fires and multi-fuel burners were replaced with gas, pellet fires, heat pumps and approved burners.
Other projects to receive trust funds were Warrington School ($25,000) for a playground upgrade, Oamaru Steam and Rail ($20,000) to rebuild the boiler of its steam locomotive, and Otago Presbyterian Campsite ($25,000) for improvements to its Tirohanga campsite.
Mr Ellwood said the trust was also pleased to continue its investment in the Fringe Festival ($35,000) for next year's event and the 2011 Careers Festival ($35,000).
Donations. -
Alexandra Clay Target Club $750; Otago Country Cricket Association $2500; South Otago Ploughing Association $1000; Central Otago Riding Club, Cromwell Adult Riding $3500; Cromwell Youth Worker Trust $2500; Order of St John, Cromwell $13,500; Athletics Otago $15,000; Autism NZ, Otago $3500; Connections Education and Development Trust $4000; Dunedin City Council, Industry Training $2000; Dunedin Returned Services Choir $3000; Dunedin Santa Parade Trust $15,000; Dunedin Tongan Community $1000; id Dunedin Fashion Inc Society $10,000; Limmond Creations Charitable Trust $1500; Otago Peninsula Museum and Historical Society $750; Parakaunui Block Inc $2500; Really Authentic Gilbert and Sullivan Performance Trust $10,000; Rothesay News $3000; Samstock Music Festival $1000; St Kilda Brass Band $15,000; Uruuruwhenua Inc $20,000; Mosgiel Playcentre $12,000; Citizens Advice Bureau, North Otago $3500; Fiordland Conservation Trust $5000; RMH Auckland Trust $7000; Ida Valley Pool Trust $4000; Challenge Wanaka Sports Trust $8200; Queenstown Lakes District Council, Summerdaze Festival $3000; Wanaka Rodeo Club $1000; Wanaka Rowing Club $4000.
