Industry names throw their weight behind Grace Street Project

The importance of the Grace Street Project to the south Invercargill community is in sharp focus with two highly regarded leaders in their field throwing their support behind the initiative.

The Grace Street Project are thrilled to announce that Chris Mac, from Six60 and Jason Paris, CEO of One New Zealand have agreed to be ambassadors for the project.

Both Mac and Paris have strong connections with Invercargill and have been very supportive of what the initiative is aiming to achieve for south Invercargill. Paris grew up in south Invercargill and Mac spent time living and working in Invercargill as a youth worker for the YMCA.

Janette Malcolm, Chair of the Grace Street Project said to be announcing our first two ambassadors was exciting but made even more so that both have a deep connection and affinity for Invercargill.

“They are extremely successful in their fields and to have ambassadors that represent the music and tech industry, possible pathways for our rangatahi, is a perfect partnership.”

Malcolm said the concept behind the ambassador programme came from a desire to utilise the support of these well-known New Zealanders to lift the profile of the Grace Street Project.

“We have a fundraising goal that we need to reach in the coming months, so the push is on to build awareness and support of the project. At the same time, we want to continue to inspire people about what we can achieve as a community and support from Chris and Jason will no doubt help us to do that. Their support means the world to us.”

Paris understood the importance and need of a project such as this for south Invercargill and was happy to align with the Grace Street Project.

"Two of the most important things for our young people is that they have a space to feel safe and have at least one person in their lives that believes in their potential. I was lucky that my Mum gave both of these to me, but I know that others are not as lucky. That's why the Grace Street Project is such an important initiative to support - because it's all about creating a space for everyone to be at their best."

Mac and Paris are the first two ambassadors to be announced by the Grace Street Project with further renowned and prominent ambassadors to be announced in the coming weeks

Janette Malcolm, Chair of the Grace Street Project said to be announcing our first two ambassadors was exciting but made even more so that both have a deep connection and affinity for Invercargill.

“They are extremely successful in their fields and to have ambassadors that represent the music and tech industry, possible pathways for our rangatahi, is a perfect partnership.”