FROM left to right: Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust chair Kim Ingham, trustee Andrea Pye, Maru Energy Trust manager Jo Meads, Ōtorohanga Support House manager Deb Hill. The trust donated $1000 to the Kahumoe Kaupapa – PJ Project Appeal to support whānau in their district. PHOTO SUPPLIED
WITH almost 500 pairs of new winter pyjamas gifted to King Country communities, Maru Energy Trust is continuing to make a real difference to those needing a hand up. The Trust’s first Kahumoe Kaupapa – PJ Project appeal was a great success chair Brian Hanna said. “We are thrilled with the response to our Kahumoe Kaupapa and the very generous donations received which enabled us to distribute 497 pairs of children’s and adult’s pyjamas within The Lines Company’s network region.” Hanna said the appeal is a good fit with Maru’s work of insulating and heating homes and builds on the Trust’s core values of supporting people to keep warm and healthy. Manager Jo Meads was likewise happy with the outcome. “When kicking off an appeal like this, it is hard to gauge what the response may be as there are so many worthy organisations doing good in our communities, but it was very humbling, especially considering this was our first appeal.” Pyjamas were distributed by local organisations in each community including Kōkiri Community Trust (Taumarunui), Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust (Te Kūiti), Ōtorohanga Support House, Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust, Waitomo-Waipā Women’s Refuge, Te Kūiti Community House and Te Arawa Whānau Ora ki Mangakino. Tūrangi was excluded as a similar appeal already operates in that area. Jo said there are plans to expand the project next year and she’s hoping to double the number of pairs distributed.
