Lion Foundation gives $164k in grants to Hawke's Bay groups in February

A major grant of was given to the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter, who received $15,000. Photo File

It's been another "positive month" for the Hawke's Bay community with The Lion Foundation confirming over $164,000 in grants to a range of worthy causes.

The grant recipients are as diverse as the community itself, but the one thing they have in common is the lasting difference they make to the people around them.

One of the most inspiring grants this month was provided to Big Brothers Big Sisters Hawke's Bay.

The $33,450 from The Lion Foundation will allow Big Brothers Big Sisters to offer its vital service to young, at risk children right across the Bay.

A major grant was also given to the Hawke's Bay Rescue Helicopter, which received $15,000 towards the operating costs of the helicopter itself. Each year the rescue helicopter performs more than 300 missions in the Hawke's Bay, many of which are time critical and in remote areas.

Other groups to receive funding included Hastings Intermediate School, Evergreens Softball Club, Backline Charitable Trust, the Hawke's Bay Orchestra, Age Concern Hawke's Bay, Maraenui Rugby & Sports Association and the Asthma & Respiratory Hawke's Bay Services Trust.

The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand's leading and most respected funding trusts, supporting thousands of schools, sports clubs, charities and community groups across the country every year.