Community Trust gives funding boost to Whanganui groups

Whanganui's Kaierau Rugby Football Club received a travel grant for players like Ethan Robinson, seen heading for the try line at Spriggens Park last year. Photo/Bevan Conley

The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has announced grants awarded in the Manawatu-Whanganui region.

The Castlecliff Community and Whanganui Volunteer Centre charitable trusts each received $10,000 towards salary costs for their managers.

Brain Injury Association Central Districts received $3500 towards salary for their liaison service manager.

Sports clubs in the region received over $20,000 in grants with Wanganui Athletic Football Club awarded $7432.60 towards changing bay costs, referee costs and van hire for teams, Wanganui Sailing Club getting $6,957 towards the purchase of outboard motors and Athletics Manawatu Wanganui receiving $1495.65 towards travel and accommodation for Easter inter-provincials.

Kaierau Rugby Football Club in Springvale were awarded $5000 towards bus travel for senior and premier teams.

Club manager Merv Benson said the 127-year-old club has two teams making about 16 trips each year.

"The costs add up and the grant will cover the travel expenses which is a huge help.

"Most of our current players have been with us for three years now and we have players like the Robinson boys who are the third generation of their family to play with our club."

Whanganui establishments which contributed to the fund are Caroline's Boatshed, Castlecliff Hotel, Red Lion Inn, Shotz, Stellar Bar and Tandoori Spice Bar.