Since 2011, the Cash for Communities programme has successfully provided financial support to rural communities throughout New Zealand. Partnered by PGG Wrightson and Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Cash for Communities has raised $600,000 to date for rural focused organisations, schools, clubs and charities.

Visiting recipients from last spring’s campaign, it is easy to see the positive impact these contributions have.

Based in Whangarei, the Northland Emergency Services Trust (NEST) who operates the Northland Rescue Helicopter Service, has expanded since commencing in 1988. Steve Couchman is one of 13 NEST pilots who work alongside St John flight medics to provide this vital service. As he explains, “over time we have increased our capability with larger helicopters that are able to fly further off-shore and are capable of flying in all weather conditions. We respond to, on average, four call outs within a 24-hour period, travelling from half an hour to three hours away, for
emergency calls and to pick up patients from hospitals.”

The $1,999 Cash for Communities donation will go towards NEST’s operational costs including maintenance of the helicopters and fuel. “This donation is greatly appreciated with the support shown by farmers making all the difference and allows us to keep flying and saving lives,” says Steve.

Tatuanui School, located in the Waikato, is a focal point within the community and is attended by 130 children. Principal, Denise Jones says the school relies on funds, such as the $2,007 Cash for Communities donation, to provide additional opportunities for the children that otherwise wouldn’t be available.

“We are grateful for the support shown by local farmers, PGG Wrightson and Ballance Agri-Nutrients. The Cash for Communities donation will provide an activity beyond the standard curriculum. We are looking forward to placing a bike track around the school to extend the children’s learning outside.”

Moving south to Canterbury, Methven Care Trust received $1,057 through Cash for Communities. The Charitable Trust, as Janine Holland Interim Chairperson explains, “was established to fundraise for a new rest home. We currently have a community run rest home which is coming to the end of its life, so we identified the need to build a purpose-built facility so people can continue to live here as they grow older.”

“It’s a fantastic project, we’ve got lots of community support with land donated to us. In particular, the farming community has been pivotal in getting this project underway,” says Janine.

To contribute to a local organisation that is important to you through Cash for Communities, simply nominate them and they will receive $1 for every tonne of participating Ballance Agri-Nutrients fertiliser purchased on your PGG Wrightson account this spring.

To learn more about the Cash for Communities programme, visit cashforcommunities.co.nz.