Boost for Waihi LandSAR
Harcourts Gold Star Real Estate donated $5000 to Waihi Land Search and Rescue to buy new equipment.
The grant was made through the Harcourts Foundation, a charity which was established in 2008 to collect funds for community groups and not-forprofits organisations globally.
The Waihi real estate office is part of the foundation programme along with 259 other Harcourts offices nationwide which donate a percentage of every property sale to the foundation.
Waihi Harcourts met at the Pumphouse two weeks ago to pass on the cheque to Waihi LandSAR.
The fund will help 15 to 20 core rescuers buy safety clothing, especially hi-vis emergency service vests with pockets and waterproof overtrousers. The equipment is crucial to the team which leads urban searches and also in more rugged terrain such as the Kaimai ranges.
Waihi LandSAR is made of volunteers assisting police during search and rescue operations in Waihi and the wider Waikato region.
Waihi Hetherington House benefitted from a grant about two years ago too, and more local charities are invited to apply.
“We can offer grants every quarter of the year. You can apply online or visit our offices in town,” General Manager at Gold Star Real Estate Greg Sheppard said.
Waihi Beach, Paeroa and more recently Thames are also part of the grant programme with Waihi.
The Foundation has donated $5 million to community groups and charities since its creation.
■ To apply for a grant, visit the Harcourts Foundation website on harcourtsfoundation.org
Keen to volunteer? To enquire about volunteering, contact LandSAR chair Darren Butler on 021 476 310.