Anna Beetham in her office at The Core, Carterton’s health and well-being hub. PHOTO/ARTHUR HAWKES
ARTHUR HAWKES
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Carterton District Council has awarded small business grants to 11 successful applicants, with many of them using their funds to benefit the wider community.
The Carterton Small Business Grant Fund was set up by the council to help businesses navigate covid-19.
The council’s chief executive, Jane Davis, opted to take a 10 per cent pay cut for the next year, which would go towards the grants.
The fund was also topped up by councillor Robyn Cherry-Campbell, who contributed a portion of her councillor remuneration.
Anna Beetham, from Wairarapa Sports Podiatry, said she was overwhelmed when she received the letter confirming she had been awarded the $1000 grant she had applied for.
Beetham wanted to support the community by sponsoring a sports team, Carterton Association Football Club, but was concerned that they may not be able to do so due to lost income.
“It made my week opening that letter and I am so thrilled that I will now be able to sponsor a local team and get signage for my car,” Beetham said.
“It is so heart-warming knowing that the community is supporting each other through these tough times.”
Beetham said the football kits [with Wairarapa Sports Podiatry sponsor] had just been printed and would replace the old, ill-fitting kit, which would often mean that the kids had to play in shirts that came down
to their knees.
“This money’s coming here, but then it’s going straight back out into the community.”
Another successful business, Kirk Mason Tiling, applied for a grant to cover wages for an apprentice.
Co-owner Liz Mason expressed her gratitude to Davis and Cherry-Campbell.
“We feel very grateful to have such a supportive community and council in Carterton who are truly working to support the local people and businesses,” Mason said.
Lynn Wiffen and Melissa Staines from Jolly Roger Swim School were grateful to get their grant, which would help with the running costs of the pool after experiencing a loss of income due to covid-19.
“We are truly humbled and blown away to receive a grant, which will in turn enable us to continue operating in Carterton Swimming Club’s indoor pool,” Wiffen said.
“Together, we can keep the community swimming and safe in the water.”
Carrie McKenzie, the council’s community services manager, said it was “fantastic” to support Carterton businesses during this challenging time.
“The owners of these businesses already do an excellent job of helping the community in their day-to-day work.
“To see them use these funds to pay it forward to others, as well as keeping people employed and their businesses afloat, was inspirational.
“The businesses and wider community are really appreciative to receive this kind of support from our council, which wouldn’t be made possible without Jane’s amazing generosity.”
