AIA New Zealand has given away $500,000 in grants to good causes across New Zealand via its Vitality Business and Community Grant Initiative.
The company announced details of its competitive application process in June; inviting financial advisers and community groups to make submissions for one of 10 grants each worth up to $50,000. See our story: AIA offers grants totalling $500,000
The company says the money will be used to fund programmes, many already up and running, that will make a positive difference to the health and wellbeing of local communities.
Sam Tremethick, AIA’s chief partnership insurance officer, says it’s good to see how invested financial advisers are in their local communities.
“It was inspiring to read through the nominations and get a true understanding of how determined people are to make a difference in their neighbourhoods,” he said.
Grant winners were selected by a panel of judges that included AIA Vitality ambassador and former All Black Ian Jones.
Each winner will be assigned a mentor from AIA’s executive team who will work with project leaders to launch or develop their local initiative.
The $50,000 grant winners are:
- The Adviser Platform in partnership with BBT, nationwide: country-wide campaign targeted at tradies and focusing on health and safety
- Kim du Chateau and It’s All Sorted, Auckland: development of an app for Sisters United to help young people develop resiliency and positive wellbeing
- Alan Leuluai and Leuluai Financial, Auckland: a 12-week fitness programme targeted at Māori and Pasifika communities
- Leelee Li and her team from Millennium Insurance Group, Hamilton: seminars on depression, diabetes and exercise awareness focused on Hamilton’s Asian community
- Simon Gower and Millennium Insurance Group, Hamilton: facilitating learn to swim programmes in low decile schools in Hamilton
- Hurford Parker Financial Services, Hawke’s Bay: activation at Hawke’s Bay A&P Show to promote mental health awareness
- Lance Parker-Wadham from Parka Insurances, lower North Island: championing men’s mental health through a series of events with community clubs and motivational speakers
- Thrive, Manawatu: programme promoting healthy living and wellbeing in the local agricultural community
- Dean Logan from Logan Smythe and Associates, Canterbury: wellbeing courses to improve mental, emotional and physical wellbeing in conjunction with Community Wellbeing North Canterbury and Mindfulness North Canterbury
- Joel Mclachlan from Advice Kiwi, Canterbury: establishing a Menzshed in the Waimakariri District to support men’s mental health through providing a place for men to foster friendships and give back to the community