Supporting staff and customers alike

PlaceMakers Evans Bay shows support for local mountain bikers

For PlaceMakers Evans Bay key account manager Tony Karamanolis, giving back to his local community is dirty work – the keen mountain biker spends a few hours every week or two helping dig and maintain bike tracks at Maupuia Park in Miramar. However, the trails have developed more quickly than they might have, partly thanks to his employer’s generosity!

“I was in the area a few years ago when I ran into Ben Wilde of the Miramar Track Project (MTP); whose plan was to build a small network of trails and a kids’ loop in the area. I talked to owner operator Graeme Joy about getting involved and we’ve been a supporter ever since.”

Graeme, who believes in supporting the community that supports your business, offers discounts on tools for trail building and lends out the PlaceMakers BBQ for community events.

“A lot of our customers and staff from the local area are keen mountain bikers, so I believe it’s a worthwhile investment” says Graeme. “MTP continues to improve the area, and recently completed a popular kids’ loop.”

The network of trails are now a hot spot for riders from Wellington and beyond. MTP maintains the trails and plants at least 500 native seedlings every year.

“It’s great to see businesses like PlaceMakers Evans Bay supporting the local community,” says Ben. “Without them, projects like this wouldn’t succeed.”

About Trail Fund NZ

In addition to his work with MTP, Ben Wilde helped found Trail Fund NZ, which is a not-for-profit organisation supporting the development and maintenance of mountain bike-accessible trails. Through donations and corporate sponsorship, Trail Fund NZ offers grants to volunteer-led projects throughout the country. To donate or apply for funding for a project in your area, check out www.trailfund.org.nz