Aspiring Quilters was one of 50 groups in the region to receive a share of $50,000 in the latest round of Connecting Communities funding.

The fund, run by Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group, is designed to support community-led activities and events across Wānaka, Queenstown, Cromwell, and Te Anau/Fiordland which encourage people to find ways to connect, look after themselves and each other, and have some fun.

Jeanette Sharpe from Aspiring Quilters said the group’s funding will be spent on materials to make more quilts so that they can continue giving back to those in need.

“Our current focus is to make charity quilts for the Cancer Society to give to their patients. We’re also responding to the huge demand for neonatal and cot-size quilts which we donate to the Upper Clutha Plunket Society to pass on to new mums.”

Other local recipients include M!NT Trust Wānaka’s overnight adventure camp, Grow Wānaka Community Garden, and the Lake Hāwea Community Centre.

Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group chair Adell Cox said there had been fresh ideas in each funding round and it was good to see “a growing sense of collaboration and cohesion between groups”.

“They’re partnering up on initiatives – the multicultural festival and community singing are just two examples - and momentum is building to develop them into ongoing programmes and events for wider community benefit.”

Adell said these partnerships will help build more sustainable mental wellbeing support networks in this region.

Eligible not-for-profit groups can apply for up to $1,000 including GST from the Connecting Communities fund. The funding runs three times a year and the next round opens on October 31 and closes on November 10. 

Find details about the fund here.

PHOTO: Supplied