NZCT Swings into Action for St Peter Chanel School!

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has granted $9,756 to St Peter Chanel School in Motueka for new playground swings.

Board of Trustees member Megan Strong, says, “The last addition to our playground was in 2015, and it has been in dire need of an upgrade for some time. We surveyed our students in Term 2 of 2024, and the clear message was that swings were what they missed most.”

The new swing set features two typical swings plus a ‘lillypad’ swing. The swings offer numerous developmental benefits, including improved motor skills, coordination, and stress relief. The playground is popular outside school hours, so the swing will be well used on weekends and during school holidays by the wider community.

Students are excited about the new addition. Abi shares, “We’re so excited about our swing because it will be a place to chill out with friends.” Michael notes, “I’m really looking forward to the swing because it helps me feel relaxed.” Matiri believes, “A swing can be anything you want it to be in your imagination.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing, and Communications Ben Hodges adds, “All kids love swings, and they are especially valuable for neurodiverse children to decompress. We're delighted to help complete the playground. NZCT is grateful for the responsible gaming fundraising partnership we share with Hotel Motueka that made our grant possible.”