The Max Foundation for New Zealand Women has announced the winning applicants for its Summer 2011 round of cash grants.
A charitable trust established by the iconic fashion retailer, the Max Foundation for New Zealand Women, was launched in 2008 with the mission “to support individuals and initiatives whose actions enhance and inspire the wellbeing and advancement of New Zealand women.” In the past year the Foundation has given away grants of around $50,000, money raised via special events, run in conjunction with EVENTS Cinemas, and the sale of special merchandise through Max’s 32 stores.
The first recipient is Yasmin Morris, a mother of four children who works full time at The Wellington City Mission, who received a grant of $5,000 from the Max Foundation to complete a Level B Social Work qualification, and therefore expand opportunities to contribute even more to her community.
Yasmin Morris
“I am incredibly humbled by the recognition and support I have received from both the Max Foundation and The Wellington City Mission, and I am excited about what opportunities the future holds for myself, my family and the positive contribution I can make to the community” says Morris.
The second recipient Frances Dick will receive a grant of $3,000 towards achieving her dream of riding for New Zealand at the 2012 Paralympics. Frances is a member of the 2014 High Performance Squad, and recently qualified for the 2012 Games, with further competitions to be ridden in the selection process.
Frances Dick
Frances is also an art student at the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology and works as a youth leader at YMCA and Hype in Nelson.
Finally, The TYLA Trust received a grant of $2,000 to assist in covering the costs of the Nga Mana Wahine
? Women with Strength (Girls Programme). The objective of the Girls Programme is to support the issues TYLA girls are faced with as they grow into young women.
Fiona Colbert, CEO of TYLA Trust said: “The vital support provided by the Max Foundation will really enhance the girls programme we offer. Self esteem and the associated issues the Girls Programme covers is such a crucial part of creating successful and confident young women and we are incredibly grateful for the Foundation’s support”
The programme is designed to look at issues surrounding self esteem, identity, self confidence, women’s health issues, relationships, boundaries, leadership, educational and life goals. By exploring these topics it is felt that the girls will be equipped to make good choices and understand their own health needs; discover the essence of being a young woman and experience a sense of self identity.
“We were extremely impressed by the calibre of the applications for this funding round”, says Max Marketing & Creative Director and Max Foundation Trustee Tracy Heaven. “These very deserving recipients will not only be able to enhance themselves further through their grants, but also their communities and those around them and that is what we are all about”.
The applications received for the Summer round fell across all categories, which include creative arts, sport/leisure, work/study, special event/initiative/organisation and personal dream/goal. Applications are now open for Winter 2012 funding round and can be accessed at www.maxfoundation.co.nz