Winners of the 2024 Community Grant Programme

We are pleased to announce our latest round of successful grant recipients for Pulse Energy’s Powering your Community Fund - Amazing Grace Fellowship Tongan Assemblies of God Church, Horowhenua Hearing Association, Marlborough St Childcare Centre and Tokomairiro Community Hub.

Each organisation will receive $1,000 towards their project/initiative. 

Amazing Grace Fellowship Tongan Assemblies of God Church 

Onehunga, Auckland 

A church in Onehunga, which began as a Tongan congregation in New Lynn 6 to 7 years ago, has blossomed into a diverse community embracing various cultures. Offering ministries for youth, kids, and adults, the church fosters engagement beyond regular services with activities and outings. Notably, the church runs a monthly "feed the homeless" program, uniting members to cook, package, and distribute meals to those in need, serving as a vital outreach effort. 

Seeking to expand this initiative, the church aims to utilize the Pulse Energy community grant to diversify meal options and increase food quantities. With a focus on purchasing additional ingredients, they plan to broaden their menu and reach more individuals experiencing homelessness. Additionally, the church intends to document their efforts through photography, leveraging these images to raise awareness about homelessness and food insecurity, encouraging broader community involvement in similar charitable endeavors. 

Horowhenua Hearing Association 

Levin, Horowhenua 

The Horowhenua Hearing Association is dedicated to supporting the hearing impaired through practical assistance, advocacy, and repairs to hearing aids, facilitating their integration into everyday life. Their mission extends beyond association membership, reaching out to both general and Rest Home communities to promote well-being and offer essential services. In 2023, they assisted over 2758 hearing impaired individuals, including those residing in Rest Homes, where field officers provide hands-on support with hearing aids and related issues at no cost to the clients.  

By securing the community grant, the association aims to enhance their capacity to serve the hearing disabled, ensuring they remain connected and engaged in daily activities. This support extends beyond mere assistance with hearing aids, encompassing broader efforts to foster inclusion and improve the quality of life for those with hearing impairments. 

Marlborough St Childcare Centre 

Upper Hutt, Wellington 

Marlborough St Childcare Centre, situated in Upper Hutt, is a not-for-profit childcare facility deeply rooted in community service. Established by the Upper Hutt Child Development Trust, it has served as a cornerstone of education and care for both typical and disabled children in the area for the past three decades. Originally designed to cater specifically to children with disabilities, the Centre has evolved to meet changing community needs, now welcoming all children while still prioritizing those with disabilities. Their mission revolves around providing high-quality education and care through low teacher-child ratios, fostering healthy activities and meals, and instilling a love for nature and sustainability. 

The grant's impact on Marlborough St Childcare Centre is profound. With funds allocated to repair old and broken lights, the Centre aims to enhance safety and functionality within its premises. As a not-for-profit organization, Marlborough St Childcare Centre relies on parent fees, fundraisers, and grants to cover operational and maintenance costs. The installation of new LED lights not only benefits the children, families, and staff of the Centre but also contributes to the broader community by enabling the hosting of various community events in a safe and well-lit environment. This investment reflects the Centre's commitment to providing a nurturing and inclusive space for all, aligning with its core values of community engagement and sustainability. 

Tokomairiro Community Hub 

Milton, Otago 

Through collaborations with entities such as Otago Corrections, KiwiHarvest, and Balclutha Countdown, surplus food is shared to address food insecurity. Indoor and outdoor pantries provide accessible resources for those in need, facilitated by Project Bruce, the Community Development team, and the Men's Shed. Project Bruce also operates from the Community Hub, offering a wide array of support services and activities, ranging from technical assistance to social service referrals, contributing to community well-being. 

Grant funding is crucial for sustaining these operations and launching new community development initiatives, such as skill-sharing workshops and support services like the Community Chaplain and Community Connector. The Pulse Energy Grant, in particular, will enable these services to remain accessible to the community without charge.