Christmas boost for Wairoa Community Centre

The Wairoa Community Centre has received a welcome Christmas boost with local civil contractor firm Quality Roading and Services (QRS) gifting $40,000 to help with operational costs.

QRS chief executive Jeremy Harker said 2021 had been difficult for community facilities in Wairoa due to loss of revenue from the COVID-19 lockdown closures as well as rising operational costs.

“It’s certainly been a challenging year for many in our community including public facility providers. As keen users of the community centre’s amenities such as the fitness centre, swimming pools and indoor courts, we wanted to make sure these vital facilities remain operational.”

“Many of our staff and their whānau use the facility and have benefitted from learn-to-swim classes and the positive benefits of keeping active. The centre regularly brings the community together and adds to the vibrancy of Wairoa, so it’s very important to us all.”

Sport Hawke’s Bay operates the centre on behalf of the Wairoa District Council and facility manager Sara Bird said the financial windfall makes a huge difference after two challenging years.

“We’re very grateful to QRS for this incredibly generous donation. They are part of our community and that makes it very special – they live, work and play here and make a positive impact throughout the Wairoa district.”

Sara says the money is set aside to cover operational costs but ultimately ensures that the cost to users remains affordable.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little thanked QRS, which is owned by the council, for its financial contribution to the operating costs of the community centre, and also its recent $40,000 donation to the Wairoa Museum.

“QRS are us, they’re local people and are a successful local award-winning business that gives back in a meaningful way to the community. Facilities such as the community centre are costly to run, especially with indoor heated swimming pools, so to get a windfall like this goes a long way to keeping covering overheads such as electricity.”

Sport Hawke’s Bay chief executive Mark Aspden said that although the centre had been closed for several weeks, it is a very popular facility that enables Wairoa residents to improve their health and wellbeing, as well as ensure children learn water safety.

“The community centre is enjoyed by many, and our partnership with the council and now with QRS is very important for the future sustainability of the facility and everything that it offers.”

Image caption: Sport Hawke's Bay staff Ryan Hambleton, Sara Bird, and Sue Smith are joined by QRS staff Moana Foster, Melissa Stanaway and Kristy Spooner to celebrate a Christmas boost for the Wairoa Community Centre.

20 December 2021

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