$20k grant helps St John's church continue community work (+ video)

St John's church will be able to continue its community work in a new van, thanks to a $20,000 grant from the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.

It was part of more than $215,000 in grants by the trust to 21 community organisations in February and March.

St John's minister Ed Masters said the community's support had been "overwhelming" since the church building was destroyed by fire in February.

"We are committed to ensuring that our work in the community continues while we rebuild our church, and we are fortunate to have found temporary locations for all our activities.

"A van will be essential to allow us to continue our work - we'll be able to transport our equipment, resources and foodbank supplies for families in need, while also enabling young people to access a wider range of our youth activities in and beyond Rotorua.

"We are hugely appreciative of the generosity of the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust to assist us with buying a van so that we can continue our important work."

The trust is also supporting the Rising from the Ashes fundraising concert tomorrow at the Energy Events Centre.

Trust chairman Stewart Edward said the trust was determined to see St John's continue its community work, despite the fire.

"Our trustees have responded quickly to the church's plight, and assisted with a grant that will allow them to continue providing services that make a real difference for a range of community groups around Rotorua."

Graeme Simpson, QE Health marketing and communications director, said the $10,000 it received would help with its 75th anniversary celebrations.

The grant would be dedicated to a celebration ball in September.

Mr Simpson said QE Health was incredibly grateful.

Rotorua Trails Trust chairman Gregg Brown said the trust was stoked to receive $25,000.

He said the money would go towards rebuilding two of the key trails in Whakarewarewa Forest - Corners and Jumps Track.

It was waiting to see if it would receive additional funding from the New Zealand Community Trust.

Deryck Shaw, Rotorua Walking Festival organising committee chairman, said the $4000 went towards this year's event.

He said it was fantastic to receive the support that helped them deliver a good quality event at an international standard.

It was also important in helping get local people out walking, enjoying the wonderful forest and streetscape, he said.

Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust community grants:
City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band - $10,000
Rotorua Arts Village Trust - $20,000
Rotorua Multicultural Council - $3000
Te Arawa Whanau Ora - $5000
Rotorua Lakes Swim School - $24,800
NZ Walking Association - $4000
Rotary Club of Rotorua - $1000
Catholic Diocese of Hamilton - $1000
QE Hospital Community Trust - $10,000
St John's Presbyterian Church - $20,000
Orchestras Central Trust - $12,000
Rotorua Emergency Response Team - $13,878
Rotorua Hospital Auxiliary - $5000
Sulphur City Lions - $2800
Tui Ridge Park - $15,000
John Paul College - $1000
Project Litefoot Trust - $7915
Pacific Judo Club - $2500
Rotorua Basketball Association - $6000
Rotorua Trails Trust - $25,000
Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind - $25,000