The Mazda foundation gifts over $110,000 to Kiwis

The final Mazda foundation round for 2017 has seen more than $110,000 donated to 35 recipients around New Zealand. This is the largest amount gifted since its inception. Every year the Mazda foundation hosts three funding rounds to help Kiwis in need, having gifted over $2.8 million since 2005. David Hodge, Managing Director of Mazda New Zealand and Chairman of the Mazda Foundation, says Mazda is excited to see how the biggest round of funding to date will benefit and help organisations and individuals around the country. “We love being able to make a difference whether it’s for programmes that support vulnerable children and the purchase of uniforms for the Special Olympics, or for people like Christchurch recipient Diane Williams who had a stroke but is now representing New Zealand. That sort of story is incredible and one of the reasons we set up the Foundation 12 years ago.” “There are many similar groups and individuals across the country doing great work in their communities that need funding and I’m proud that the Mazda Foundation initiative allows us to reach out and support those that need it the most,” he says.  The Mazda Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand. More than 50 young children in the Marlborough region are one of the groups to benefit from the latest round with a $10,000 grant made to non-profit organisation Creative Kids. The organisation, which provides support for vulnerable children through the use of creative arts, runs a music therapy programme to help children with development problems, speech and motor skill issues, and self-confidence. “Without funding we are limited to the services we can offer these children, but thanks to the Mazda Foundation’s very generous donation we will be able to provide the best quality help and support for our children and the many challenges they face,” says Sara Rogerson, Creative Kids Administrator. Another beneficiary includes Christchurch resident, Diane Williams, who received $12,000 for an electronic power chair designed specifically for international wheelchair soccer competitions. After suffering a stroke in 2010, Diane was paralysed on the right side of her body and unable to speak, leaving her confined to a wheelchair and with limited movement. To help her adjust to her new life in a wheelchair, Diane started playing wheelchair soccer where she was chosen to play for the Canterbury Boltz Power Chair Soccer Team, before being selected to represent New Zealand internationally. Auckland Special Olympics also received a $3,580 grant to purchase uniforms for the team competing at this year’s Special Olympic New Zealand National Summer Games in Wellington. The closing date for the next round of Mazda Foundation applications is 30 March 2018. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.