Funds for welfare groups

Wanaka: Frontline welfare organisations in Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago have received a funding injection to help deal with the impact of Covid19.

In the latest round of Central Lakes Trust grants, over a million dollars worth of largely operational grants were approved for social services such as budgeting support, senior citizens’ groups, meals on wheels, crisis and longterm counselling.

Trust chief executive Susan Findlay said there has been an increased demand for services from these and other social service agencies due to the effects of Covid19.

‘‘Now more than ever it is essential for our community that these services are funded to meet demand through the times ahead,’’ she said.

Central Lakes schools were given a grant of $235,000 for a Covid19 Resilience in Schools initiative.