Impact100 Wakatipu announces finalists
Impact100 Wakatipu revealed the five finalists vying for $201,000 in grants this year.
The charities will compete for the funding at a gala event in October, where 201 supporters will cast their votes for their preferred projects, deciding which two initiatives will receive $100,500 each of vital financial backing.
The finalists are ADL’s 'Tuning into Kids' and 'Tuning into Teens' Parenting Programme; Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown’s Community Lifeline Project; Glenorchy Trails Trust’s Buckler Burn Trail – Phase 2; Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust’s Returning Takahē to the Rees Project; and Whakatipu Rowing Club’s 'Impact100 Indoor Training Space'. Read more on each initiative below.
Clare Irons, Chair of Impact100 Wakatipu, says the organisation is thrilled to see such a diverse and impactful range of projects this year.
“Each of these finalists showcases the spirit of community-driven change, and we are eager to support their efforts through the generosity of our Impact100 members," she says.
"Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of many.”
Impact100 Wakatipu, established in 2020 under the umbrella of the Wakatipu Community Foundation, follows a successful global model that unites women to collectively fund transformational projects within their communities. Impact100 chapters are made up of at least 100 women, each donating $1,000 annually.
ADL’s 'Tuning into Kids' and 'Tuning into Teens' Parenting Programme
These evidence-based programs strive to promote emotional intelligence and connection among families. By focusing on parents of adolescents and primary school-aged children, ADL aims to enrich emotional regulation, through a series of parenting programmes. This will ultimately strengthen family bonds within the growing Whakatipu community.
Citizens Advice Bureau Queenstown’s Community Lifeline Project
Responding to a 40% increase in demand for help, CAB aims to launch a year-long pilot project focused on supporting individuals in crisis in the Wakatipu who may not qualify for social security support, particularly those in our migrant community.
Glenorchy Trails Trust’s Buckler Burn Trail – Phase 2
GTT has been instrumental in developing sustainable walking and cycling trails in Glenorchy. Their proposal seeks to extend an existing trail from Glenorchy to the Whakaari Conservation area with the addition of a cycle bridge over the Buckler Burn. This will foster recreation opportunities for the Glenorchy community, eco-friendly tourism and local economic growth.
Southern Lakes Sanctuary Trust’s Returning Takahē to the Rees Project
Committed to the long-term protection of the critically endangered takahē, SLS is preparing for a release of these iconic birds in February 2025. Their project focuses on habitat protection through predator control and the creation of the 'Impact100 Turk' in the Rees Valley to aid monitoring efforts during this vital initiative.
Whakatipu Rowing Club’s 'Impact100 Indoor Training Space'
Part of a broader redevelopment initiative, the 'Impact100 Indoor Training Space' will offer year-round training facilities for health and wellness activities accessible to all ages, fostering community engagement and supporting local recreational groups.
