Kahu Youth has received $75,000 in the latest funding round by Otago Community Trust (OCT).

The long-running local charity exists to help encourage, educate and entertain young people aged 11-24 in the Upper Clutha.

The funding will support its programmes - which include after-school clubs, holiday programmes, mentoring, support groups, skills building workshops, and more. 

A portion of the funding will also support the fit-out of Kahu Youth’s new youth hub at Paetara Aspiring Central.

Kahu Youth Trust operations director Anna Sutherland said the trust was thrilled with the “significant funding boost”.

“This generous support will enable us to maintain the accessibility of our quality programmes and expand to offer more opportunities for our local youth - empowering them to live their best lives,” she said.

Kahu Youth was one of 47 organisations to receive funding in the latest round, where a total of $1.2M was distributed.

The grants support a wide range of community initiatives but they have a particular focus on youth, education, and recreational programs.

They include Harold the Giraffe, who is set to hit the road again this year with the Life Education Trust Heartland Otago Southland receiving $10,000.

The programme is expected to reach 4,600 students in the Otago area this year.

Other recipients Wānaka’s Search and Rescue Dogs Avalanche Inc, which received $6,500, plus recipients further afield including Dance Therapy NZ, Dunedin Wildlife Trust, StarJam Charitable Trust, Sailability Otago Trust and many more.

"We are thrilled to support such a diverse range of important community initiatives through our first funding round for 2024," OCT chair Andy Kilsby said.

PHOTO: Wānaka App