People power the community
Mayor's Column
This year, for the first time ever, we made a ceremony out of handing out the community grants we give local groups. It was a simple idea that worked really well in helping recognise the wonderful spirit and energy that people put into projects that they are enthusiastic about.
Held at the start of the month, the first ever community grants ceremony also gave the community groups a chance to meet and enjoy the company of other fellow enthusiasts.
If there is any single thread that binds these groups together it is enthusiasm. These are great people, involved community supporters who are part of the real heart of this city. The very gathering itself provided a human reminder of how much goodwill and energy there is available from the enthusiasts amongst us. It’s a gift to us all that I felt needed some
long overdue public recognition.
The grants ceremony held in the Mayor’s reception area recognised the efforts and commitment of a wide spectrum of community groups. There were just over 80 grants handed out this year by the Christchurch City Council’s Metropolitan Funding subcommittee.
They went to groups as varied as those helping improve adult literacy, an ethnic women’s 24-hour crisis help line, coordination of volunteers, paid lifeguard support, and efforts to increase the ecological health of Lake Ellesmere. In fact the only common thread to many of the groups was their enthusiasm and pleasure at being together for the event.
Each year the Christchurch City Council’s subcommittee gives out more than $4 million in grants to community groups which work at grassroots level to strengthen our communities. This subcommittee represents half of the Council’s annual commitment to funding community projects for a total of $8.2m.
The Metropolitan Funding subcommittee gives grants in areas such as community services, economic development, arts and heritage, recreation and sport, environment and parks, corporate services, community loans and events seeding.
There is a review under way this year to ensure that the community grants funding policies themselves are best meeting the needs of our ever-changing community. Historically the Council has built some very strong relationships with various community groups that help deliver essential services and aid the Council to meet its aims. These aims are now further clarified in the 2006-16 Long Term Council Community Plan.
The funding from the Council is recognition of the value of the work of the community groups in helping enhance the lives of our residents. For many of the groups the Council funding is core funding that keeps them going and viable in the community.
They are very much both part of the heart and the social muscle of our city.
On the night of the ceremony it was also very clear that these willing workers were also delighted to have a chance to enjoy each other’s company. As I said earlier, the only common thread was their enthusiasm, for their groups and for their projects.
It was great to be amongst so many positive Christchurch citizens.
Mayor of Christchurch
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