The Grace Street Project declares ‘Invercargill, We Can’.
The Grace Street Project have launched an ambitious fundraising campaign intended to motivate corporate business and individuals on a national scale. They are wanting to inspire those with a strong affinity to Invercargill to give back to the region.
The ‘Invercargill, We Can’ campaign focuses on the positive outcomes the project aims to deliver, as well as highlighting the concept, that the investment required to build the hub could be a collective goal for all of Invercargill.
The project has raised $3.5 million towards the construction of the community hub that will be built on the site of the former Grace Street chapel, however a further $2 million was required.
Janette Malcolm, Chair of The Grace Street Project, said that they were aware that Invercargill was often a city that launched careers and businesses and that they wanted to speak to an audience wider than just those living within the Invercargill boundary.
“We wanted to create a campaign that provides an opportunity for those with a passion and connection to Invercargill to give back to the city. There are many people around the country that would say that Invercargill gave them an opportunity they may not have had otherwise. People often progress faster in their careers here and there are many success stories that have come from SIT and their zero fees scheme.”
Malcolm hoped that those in a position to support the project would be inspired to ‘pitch in’ as the campaign encouraged.
“We believe that that everyone wants to see all of Invercargill flourish, that they want a more inclusive future for our city and to support and create opportunities. By giving this audience an opportunity to financially contribute to the construction of the building, we are inviting them to be a part of a legacy that can pave a new path for south Invercargill.”
Former Southlander Dale Pfeifer, CEO of Giving Compass and a Grace Street Project ambassador, was a big supporter of the project and campaign.
“I think this project is really special. What’s unique about The Grace Street Project is that it provides a space for people to come together, connect and be a stepping stone on their journey forward.”
Pfeifer understood that finding investment for infrastructure can be challenging.
“The building is needed before the opportunities, innovation and creation can take place. I hope this project gets the attention and support it deserves.”
As well as raising funds, another objective of the campaign was to create awareness of the Grace Street Project and goals of the initiative. They are hoping that by raising awareness around the socioeconomic challenges in south Invercargill, while also sharing the aims of the project, people will see how their help could create a different, more prosperous future.
The Grace Street Project believe there is a desire from many in Invercargill to address the hardship and isolation faced by some of our residents and want to show with investment and support, Invercargill can be a place of opportunity for all.
“We have been really encouraged by the work that Te Rourou, One Aotearoa Foundation are doing within the south Invercargill community. The support they are providing through their programmes is having a real impact, which shows that with the right support, anything is possible.” Malcolm said.
At a recent Southland Business Chamber business breakfast, hosted in conjunction with The Grace Street Project, those that attended were preview to the upcoming campaign. $10,000 had since been donated, and the project has received offers of help for the build.
The ‘Invercargill, We Can’ campaign will run until the end of the year. Anyone interested in learning more about the project or donating is encouraged to check out the website thegracestreetproject.nz
The Grace Street Project have launched an ambitious fundraising campaign intended to motivate corporate business and individuals on a national scale. They are wanting to inspire those with a strong affinity to Invercargill to give back to the region.
The ‘Invercargill, We Can’ campaign focuses on the positive outcomes the project aims to deliver, as well as highlighting the concept, that the investment required to build the hub could be a collective goal for all of Invercargill.