Champion Centre Boosted by $15,000 NZCT Grant!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded the Christchurch Early Intervention Trust a $15,000 grant for new physiotherapy equipment, including a treadmill and harness, helping the Champion Centre better support children with disabilities in learning to move and walk.

The Champion Centre is New Zealand’s oldest early intervention service for babies and young children with significant disabilities. Originally offering services to a small group of infants with Down syndrome, it has evolved to cover children with a wide range of developmental delays and disabilities across rural and urban Canterbury. In partnership with their families and whānau, it has set over 2,000 children on the path to reaching their full potential.

Charlotte McGregor, Fundraising and Marketing Coordinator adds “Most parents and whānau say that learning to walk is one of their most important goals for their child. For many children with disabilities, walking is a challenging process that requires extensive professional support. This new equipment is crucial in helping them develop to their fullest potential.”

The Champion Centre Physiotherapist notes, “Having a treadmill with a harness enables us to really focus on improving these children’s gait and provide many of our tamariki with the sensation of walking under their own power for the first time.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing, and Communications Ben Hodges adds, “We are proud to support the Champion Centre’s work helping children with disabilities achieve precious milestones like their first steps. NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnership we share with our Christchurch venues that made our grant possible.”