WORKING BEES WORK WONDERS

The PlaceMakers Foundation is on the hunt for its next working bee – could it be in your community?

Whether it’s in Levin or Gore, for one person or many, a renovation or something brand new, the PlaceMakers Foundation is welcoming applications for its next Working Bee project.

The PlaceMakers Foundation combines charitable giving, the skills of PlaceMakers own staff and customers, and all available resources to help make a lasting difference in communities around the country. Bringing major  projects to fruition through the Working Bee programme is the centrepiece of the Foundation’s work.

The inaugural Working Bee project in 2019 saw three-year-old Harry Finch’s family receive $100,000 from the sale of two container houses – built and sold to fund life-changing leg surgery and ongoing physio costs for the  Otago youngster. This was feasible thanks to support from dozens of local tradies and PlaceMakers Cromwell.

PlaceMakers Chief Executive and Foundation Chair Bruce McEwen said he’s excited about the possibilities that lie ahead in 2020.

“The goal of the PlaceMakers Foundation is to make a change and, together, build a better New Zealand,” said Mr McEwen. “I can certainly say we achieved that in 2019 and can’t wait to do it again this year.

“Communities around the country thrive on facilities that bring them together to share sports, hobbies, cultures and activities, yet sometimes great plans struggle to get lift off or simply fizzle out – that’s where the Working Bee concept can make a big difference.”

In 2019, the PlaceMakers Foundation donated over $200,000 to community groups and individuals around New Zealand.

To find out more and submit your application for a Working Bee grant, please visit foundation.placemakers.co.nz.

Applications close on 30th April.