Vandalised gifts replaced
Theatre performance is a passion in which more and more young people are getting involved — and turning into a career.
The Massive Company Trust in South Auckland helps aspiring performers perfect and learn more about their art to further their chances of becoming successful in the business.
The trust runs workshops, productions, tours and mentoring schemes for young and upcoming artists.
It is one of 12 charities to receive a $10,000 grant in this year’s 12 Days of Christmas campaign run by Auckland Airport. The money comes thanks to travellers who donate unwanted currency at the airport during the year.
Massive Company Trust general manager Grant Mouldey said one of the key aims for the group — established 25 years ago — was to embrace divers- A number of businesses have stepped in to help the Salvation Army after one of its centres was vandalised.
Last week more than $5000 worth of gifts were destroyed at its Royal Oak, Auckland, centre after someone threw a log of wood through a window. Presents donated as part of the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal had to be thrown away because they were covered in broken glass.
The Warehouse, Air New Zealand, ASB bank and St John ambulance have given the charity a helping hand to refill the Christmas stocking. Sixteen pallets of Warehouse toys have been delivered and the airline has given a “generous donation” to buy more gifts. ity and to ensure that was reflected in the performance industry.
“Massive Company basically believes in the diversity of NZ culture and we develop as many young people as we can into a professional career in performance. We try to walk alongside our young performers until they are ready to start their own professional pathway.”
Among the trust’s alumni is actress and comedian Madeleine Sami, of Sione’s Wedding and Top of The Lake fame, Wesley Dowdell, who worked on The World’s Fastest Indian and Outrageous Fortune, as well as Beulah Koale, who appeared in Shortland Street and recently ASB and St John have joined forces to donate 100 block-set toy ambulances to the charity.
Centre manager Rod Ellis said the gifts would help meet an urgent need at an already busy time of year.
“Compounding last week’s loss because of vandalism, we are also seeing a 30 to 50 per cent increase in demand across our Auckland centres, as well as an increasing number of children who risk missing out on Christmas because of their family’s financial hardship.
“This generosity from The Warehouse and Air New Zealand, in addition to the valuable contributions made from the Kmart Wishing Tree Appeal this Christmas, means we can help children more than ever.”
Mr Mouldey said their grant money would go towards activities targeted at young people from South Auckland.
“I think the 12 Days of Christmas is a great initiative; it’s a great way to put funds into great charities.
‘‘Without support like this we would not be able to enhance and develop our young artists from diverse backgrounds — diversity is such an integral part of Kiwi culture,” he said.
Auckland Airport spokeswoman Anna Cassels-Brown said they were happy to contribute to a cause helping connect young people with such an art form.
“It is great to see the trust developing and showcasing our theatre talent and we are really pleased to be able to support South Auckland actor workshops with this gift.”
For more info visit: massivecompany.co.nz