Following its devastating fire in February, the Rotorua District Presbyterian Church (St John’s) will be able to continue its community work across the city in a new van, thanks to a $20,000 grant provided by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust.
Rotorua District Presbyterian Church minister, Ed Masters says the community’s support has been “overwhelming” since the church’s buildings were completely destroyed by fire in February.
“The local community has been incredibly generous, offering us the use of many different buildings across the city for our various programmes and activities.
“We are committed to ensuring that our work in the community continues while we rebuild our church, and we are fortunate to have found temporary locations for all our activities.
“A van will be essential to allow us to continue our work – we’ll be able to transport our equipment, resources and foodbank supplies for families in need, while also enabling young people to access a wider range of our youth activities in and beyond Rotorua.
“We are hugely appreciative of the generosity of the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust to assist us with buying a van so that we can continue our important work,” says Rev Masters.
In addition to the grant for a new van, the Trust is also supporting the St John’s “Rising from the Ashes” fundraising concert, which will be held on April 2 at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre.
Rotorua Trust chairman Stewart Edward says the Trust is determined to see St John’s continue its community work, despite the tragedy of the fire.
“Our trustees have responded quickly to the church’s plight, and assisted with a grant that will allow them to continue providing services that make a real difference for a range of community groups around Rotorua”.
The grant for St John’s was part of a total contribution of over $215,000 made by the Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust to 21 different community organisations during February and March 2017:
- City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band – $10,000
- Rotorua Arts Village Trust – $20,000
- Rotorua Multicultural Council – $3,000
- Te Arawa Whanau Ora – $5,000
- Rotorua Lakes Swim School – $24,800
- NZ Walking Assn – $4,000
- Rotary Club of Rotorua – $1,000
- Catholic Diocese of Hamilton – $1,000
- QE Hospital Community Trust – $10,000
- St John’s Presbyterian Church – $20,000
- Orchestras Central Trust – $12,000
- Rotorua Emergency Response Team – $13,878
- Rotorua Hospital Auxiliary – $5,000
- Sulphur City Lions – $2,800
- Tui Ridge Park – $15,000
- John Paul College – $1,000
- Project Litefoot Trust – $7,915
- Pacific Judo Club – $2,500
- Rotorua Basketball Assn – $6,000
- Rotorua Trails Trust – $25,000
- Royal NZ Foundation of the Blind – $25,000