17 May 2022
A COVID restricted group of Impact100 members had their first viewing of the new Living Options facility their grant brought to life in Arrowtown last week.
A COVID restricted group of Impact100 members had their first viewing of the new Living Options facility their grant brought to life in Arrowtown last week.
Impact100 founder and past Chair Kristen Holtzman said she was delighted to see what has been achieved. “Impact100 is all about women coming together and in our first year we selected Living Options as our very first major grant recipient. This is a really special day for us.”
Like other organisations, Living Options has been affected by gathering restrictions so has not been able to have an official opening, but is fully operational with 10 local families being supported.
“We have been made to feel so welcome in this community.” CEO of Living Options, Alison Wildey, said. “The building has been provided at peppercorn rent from QLDC, and the $100,00 grant from Impact100 covered most of the costs of the fitout. Other significant support came from the Hugo Charitable Trust and private donations from local families. Companies have donated their skills and time, with some of the work done at cost. It has all come together to create this special space for the people we care for.”
There is a room for art and music therapy, a kitchen for baking, and a sleepover space for staff, set under the beautiful backdrop of the Arrowtown hills.
Funds have also allowed for a psychotherapist to be employed, with swimming and other activities planned once COVID restrictions are lifted.
And the giving isn’t finished yet. “The Wakatipu Garden Club are creating a wonderful garden space for us, with a planting plan ready to go to complete the gardens. Even the interesting mailbox is a gift from an appreciative local family. This really is a community facility that is having a significant impact on the lives of the people we care for and their families, and we are so blessed to have such wonderful support.”
Joan Kiernan, Chair of the Impact100 Grants Committee said the 2022 sign up for members is now open, and they are hopeful to match or even better last years $200,000 in grants that were donated to local charities. The full amount available for this year will be announced in May, with the last day for donations on April 30th. She encouraged local charities to start thinking about transformational projects they are planning and to check the grant application timelines which are now on their website at www.impact100wakatipu.org