Downer Donate - winners announced for new community fund

18/08/2022

Downer New Zealand works in communities right across the country, and one of our goals is to make a positive difference for the people in those communities. With a 10,000-strong workforce, what better way to reach those people than through our own?

Downer Donate is a brand-new community fund. For the coming year, we have allocated $200,000 to support community initiatives. Downer team members drive this initiative by nominating causes or charities that matter to them and are in need of support. Each month we will donate up to $15,000 from the fund to a selection of these causes.

This week we were happy to present our first Downer Donate winners with their funds. We received so many worthwhile nominations, and we’re looking forward to more in the months ahead.

Taranaki Retreat - nominated by Phoebe Stewart, Bid Coordinator

The Taranaki Retreat is a local suicide prevention initiative that does incredible work through outreach and in-house services. They are busier than ever and receive no formal funding. Jamie and Suzy, the Retreat directors, do this work full-time and have dedicated themselves and their lives fully to the cause. Any donations they receive are thoughtfully utilised. Find out more about this amazing charity and all they do for the community on their website.

Hope Kete - nominated by Joanne Roberts, Business Support Coordinator

Hope Kete is an amazing free food store in Levin that provides food and meals to those who need it. Food is donated by the local schools and community and then distributed in their store/building to the Horowhenua community. The staff are all volunteers, and their building is directly across the road from our Downer office in Levin. The store is very busy, providing hundreds of families with basic staples. We were proud to provide their team with $500 countdown vouchers.

DIY Shed - nominated by Greg Alford, Mechanical Engineer

Greg, an engineer in our Mt Maunganui team, currently volunteers his time and skills to help teach women and children over 15 years old at the DIY Shed on Monday and Sunday evenings, with the Shed allowing the use of their facilities. Their Downer Donate funds will go towards buying building supplies. Check out their Facebook page at DIY Shed.

Insert Coin to Play - nominated by Nathan Bullin, Project Engineer

The idea behind Insert Coin to Play (Invercargill) is that youth can become very isolated through gaming at home and don't always know how to socialise. Insert Coin to Play hopes that its events will help youth who don't normally find it easy to socialise or make new friends to come together and bond over video games. The goal is to help to reduce the feeling of isolation that can lead to youth suicide. Currently, it costs the $20 to attend, and two groups of twenty kids can be hosted every weekend. Our donation will help children participate in events for free! Find out more.

AED (automated external defibrillator) in honour of Ben Street - nominated by Paul Barratt, Contract Manager

Ben was a loved and respected Downer colleague who had worked with the Tasman team since 2009, and his sudden passing in January 2022 left a huge void. His team have been fundraising to install an AED (defibrillator) along one of the local cycleways that Ben used on a regular basis, which are close to the Downer depot. Ben was very active in Search & Rescue in the region, and very passionate about providing public AEDs, so he had started to raise the money himself. Starting with Ben's $500, the team then raised a whopping $3,000, and now with the final $1,000 from Downer the AED is being installed alongside a commemorative plaque in memory of Ben.

ACTIS - Aranui Community Trust Inc Society - nominated by Lana Shields, In-work Success Advisor

ACTIS rely heavily on donations and grants and works tirelessly to fundraise as well as serve the community. After noticing many children were getting a pie and a can of coke on their way to school, they saw the need for a healthier breakfast to assist with brain function and wellbeing.  ACTIS decided to set up a stall on the footpath at the local shops offering different types of breakfast each day; including cereal, pancakes, fruit, and sugar-free breakfast bars. Everything is ready to take away, and they can serve up to 80 children per day. We're pleased our donation can help provide more children with a nutritious breakfast. Find out more about this awesome cause on their website.