News Archive : March 2015

Two out of every three New Zealanders is touched by dementia, a devastating illness for which there is no known cure.

Dementia takes many different forms but often results in changes in memory, thinking, behaviour, personality and emotions, and a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.

Alzheimers Waikato provides valuable support to people affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, including their families and carers. They recently expanded their team appointing a new manager, Sue O’Donnell so that their Educator, Jane Kay could focus on providing education and support to the Waikato community.

“We offer people affected by dementia, a support system that includes education, support groups and strategies to assist in caring for someone with dementia. We do home visits, telephone monitoring, and provide comprehensive written information to clients,” says O’Donnell.

“My recent appointment will allow Jane to spend more time assisting the growing number of people affected by this illness. …

The charitable arm of Harcourts real estate group, The Harcourts Foundation has surpassed $3 million in funds raised to support non-profit community groups.

The Harcourts Foundation was established by Harcourts in 2008. It is a 100% charity with all funds raised going directly to non-profit organisations.

The Foundation is funded through Harcourts employees’ salary sacrifice, ‘off the top’ contributions from commissions and organised fundraisers.

There are currently more than 264 Harcourts real estate offices participating in the Harcourts Foundation programme, donating a percentage of every property sale.

Harcourts CEO Hayden Duncan says that in just a short time the Harcourts Foundation has touched the lives of thousands of people throughout New Zealand.

“In New Zealand, the Harcourts Foundation has made more than 100 grants to community groups, helping with everything from supporting programmes for at-risk youth, technology for schools and equipment to help make communities safer,” says Duncan.

“Our local …

Graham Viall of Harcourts BCRE pictured with Principal of Papakura High School Peter Heron, Chair for The Rising Foundation John Bongard, and students participating in the Rising Foundation programme.

Friday 13 March, 2015

“Many students in South Auckland are brought up amid challenging personal circumstances. Our goal is to provide them with the support they need to develop self-belief and confidence so they can achieve their potential,” says John Bongard, Chair for The Rising Foundation.

The Rising Foundation supports around 600 students in South Auckland who participate their break-through programme, which helps them to ‘Rise Up’ and build positive lives. The Foundation works with students aged 11 to 18, with a particular focus on ages 12 to14 years who are supported by trained social workers as they transition from Intermediate to High School.

Harcourts BCRE has donated $5000 to The Rising Foundation, via the Harcourts Foundation, which will go towards …

For more than 35 years, The Sowers Trust has been supporting youth and families in Manukau East, mentoring, equipping and empowering at-risk and in-need youth and families to achieve their potential.

As part of The Sowers Trust’ programmes, community workers provide personalised support to youth who may be going through a specific crisis in their lives, and provide ongoing support to individuals and families that are in need of help to restore and repair their lives.

Manager of The Sowers Trust, Jenny Naley says that The Sowers Trust programmes provide members of the Manukau East community with the support they need to stay on a positive pathway.

“When individuals and families go through a difficult time, it can be very isolating and people often feel as though they have no one to turn to for help. Through youth mentoring and the wrap around care that we provide to families, we …