SkyCity Trust sets up $100,000 fund for Auckland flood victims
Thursday, 2 February 2023
SkyCity Auckland Community Trust has established a $100,000 emergency response fund for community groups supporting those affected by record-breaking rain in the Tāmaki Makaurau and Te Tai Tokerau regions.
Aucklanders were hit with a deluge last week leaving thousands of homes damaged and many displaced.
Homes, businesses and roads were flooded as heavy rain lashed the city twice in five days.
Marama Royal, co-chair of the SkyCity Auckland community trust, said: “Our hearts are with those who have been so adversely affected by the severe weather events over the past week.
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“We are mindful this damage is going to have a lasting impact on our communities, and we hope this fund will help make resources available immediately to help with the relief effort.”
SkyCity entertainment group has also donated $100,000 to organisations – including $50,000 each to Dave Letele’s BBM programme and Vision West Community Trust.
Callum Mallett, SkyCity chief operating officer, said the funds are to, “assist with the important mahi being done by these organisations in their local communities”.
“SkyCity hopes that by making these donations available, we can make a meaningful contribution to grassroots organisations that are well placed to address the needs of their local communities.”
Mallett said the awhi emergency response fund is open for applications now, with grants of between $5000 and $10,000 available to community groups and organisations, “who are helping support their communities, in the wake of these extreme weather events”.
Grants are not available to individuals and applications close on February 17.
The trust is also offering online drop-in sessions, to assist groups interested in applying for funding. Sessions will be held in February and a link is available on the trust’s website.
Those who have received funding from the SkyCity Auckland Community Trust in the current financial year are not excluded from applying.
Every casino has to provide a certain level of funding to its charitable trust as part of its licence conditions. The conditions vary for each casino.
SkyCity Auckland is required to give 0.7% of its earnings, or a minimum of $500,000, to its charitable arm.
Meanwhile, “class 4” gambling operators – such as pubs, hotels and clubs – must return a minimum 40% of the proceeds from the gaming machines to the community.