Mazda Foundation supports Kiwis across the country   28 Apr 2016

Mazda Foundation supports Kiwis across the country

The Mazda Foundation has granted its first round of funding for the year, donating almost $60,000 to 18 individuals, community groups and charities around New Zealand.

Three funding rounds are held each year to support New Zealanders in need. The Foundation has gifted over $2.3 million back to the community since it was established in 2005.

Grants distributed this round included two art groups and an individual with a learning disability.

Eight year old Danijel Tvrdeich-Kasum from Howick, Auckland received $6,050.

Danijel was diagnosed with APD (Auditory Processing Disorder) meaning he doesn’t always correctly process information, especially at school where there are lots of distracting sounds. He is a year behind in school, and particularly struggles with writing and spelling.

The Mazda Foundation grant will help pay for tuition, remote hearing aids and both a laptop and iPad which have special apps to help Danijel’s learning requirements. Danijels mother Marina Tvrdeich says the grant will greatly help her son.

“Being a single parent, I can’t always afford the treatment and equipment needed to help Danijel. He’s a smart kid but the APD means he struggles in class and he can get a bit down about that at times. I’m so thankful to the Mazda Foundation for this grant, these new resources will really help him at school and give him the confidence boost he needs.”

This round also saw New Zealand Opera Ltd receive $3,560 to purchase a new digital camera, lens, and editing software to help develop their education and outreach programme and support their marketing objectives.

New Zealand Opera contributes to the community by creating cultural opportunities for people to experience the power of opera, while establishing a vibrant and sustainable presence for opera in New Zealand.

Caroline Nelson, Head of Development at New Zealand Opera says the equipment will be a great asset to the team.

“Opera is a visual art form, so video and images are hugely important tools for bringing it to life on digital platforms. The new equipment means we can create great content to share with existing and new audiences,” she says.

Not for profit organisation, the Tauranga Society of Arts Inc., which provides art workshops for their members, received $6,656.36 to purchase overhead exhibition lighting for their two annual art exhibitions held in the Bay of Plenty.

Society members volunteer their time and work tirelessly all year to prepare for these events, which attract over 60 of their member artists who showcase over 200 original works of art.

Andrew Clearwater, Chairman of the Mazda Foundation says it’s always humbling hearing about the hard working and charitable communities across the country.

“The Mazda Foundation has been going strong for almost eleven years now and I’m always inspired by the endless number of organisations, projects and individuals devoted to making a difference in this country.”

“Whether it’s supporting children in need or the arts, it’s great to see how a little can go a long way.”

The Mazda Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand.

The closing date for the next round of Mazda Foundation applications is 30 June 2016. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.

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