The Max Foundation for New Zealand Women has announced the winning applicants for its Summer 2012/13 round of cash grants.
Sondra Bacharach and Karin Grice
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 $30,000. These funds were raised via special events, run in conjunction with EVENT Cinemas, and the sale of special merchandise through Max’s 32 stores.
The first recipient, Gold winning Para-Olympic swimmer Mary Fisher, received a grant of $8000 from the Max Foundation towards employing a ‘tapper’ to tap her on the head when she has reached the pool wall when training and competing. Having the ‘tapper’ with her is vital due to her impaired vision. Mary was born with 10% vision due to an eye condition and gradually lost the rest of her sight, however this has not prevented her from achieving her dreams.
Mary Fisher
Fisher says, “Swimming has been an equalizer throughout my life, in some areas I rely on people to guide me or go at their set pace whereas in the pool, technique, speed and physical freedom are up to me. This unique independence has given me the courage to pursue other avenues of life and is also a skill I can teach, giving back to the community.”
The second recipients Sondra Bacharach and Karin Grice received a grant of $6000 towards creating a cookbook of simple, healthy, child-friendly and low cost meals for families while sharing the stories of women throughout Wellington who have created new lives after domestic abuse.
Both women want to raise awareness of how domestic violence impacts their community, give hope to those still struggling in abusive situations and to “inspire New Zealand families everywhere to come together through cooking, and to see the kitchen as a safe haven in which to find companionship and as a place to celebrate family life.” All the proceeds of sales will go to the Wellington Women’s Refuge and Te Whare Rokiroki.
Lastly Christchurch’s Sexual Abuse Survivors Trust received $6000 towards continuing the Trust’s 24/7 rape crisis support service, Safecare. The Trust has been delivering counseling, support, advocacy and community education services in Christchurch for over 20 years and is often the first place families turn to when sexual abuse is disclosed.
Madeline Bass Podger, Service Co-ordinator for the Trust says, “We are a first call agency for anything to do with sexual abuse and sexual assault. We offer a confidential and professional service free of charge and work closely with both local and national community agencies. If we cannot meet your needs then we can assist you to find the support you need.”
“Every year myself and the trustees have to make heart wrenching decisions over who will receive a Max Foundation grant”, says Max Marketing & Creative Director and Max Foundation Trustee Tracy Heaven. “After much deliberation it is a pleasure to award grants to these three very inspiring initiatives.”
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 2013 funding round and can be accessed at www.maxfoundation.co.nz