About
The Life Centre Trust (LCT) is a charitable trust that exists to make life better for those in need within communities throughout New Zealand. We believe in the people of New Zealand, and want to ensure that those who are in need in our nation are given as much opportunity as possible to enjoy the quality of life that this country can provide.
This does not just mean a handout but rather a hand-up. That is why, through all our initiatives, we provide practical help and support, and we work hard to equip people to do life better.
We believe the standard of everything we do must be excellent. With all our initiatives and for the dignity of the people we reach, it is not just about quantity, but rather heartfelt quality, that makes the difference.
The Life Centre Trust currently runs seven key initiatives. With the generous support of hundreds of volunteers we are able to offer long term support to clients and families that require assistance.
Community Makeover Project
In 2007 Life, was inspired by National Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAK) to select one needy school in the community to give it a complete makeover.
In 2007 Point England School, a decile one school in Glenn Innes which had real maintenance needs which struggled with limited funding was chosen for a complete makeover in just one day by Life. We co-ordinated the combined resources of local business, community groups and over 700 volunteers to make the community feel valued and the school environment a special place to learn in once again.
As a result of that one special day a vision was birthed in our hearts to annually makeover community based facilities on a large scale that have real maintenance needs.
Following on from the success of the 2007 project, on our request, Pt England School identified another school they saw in need. They recommended Tamaki Primary for the 2008 makeover. Tamaki Primary was also a decile one school located in Panmure, Auckland, whose facilities were in real need of an upgrade.
The results from the two projects speak for themselves:
- 2007 Community Makeover: Point England School. As a result of the building, painting and landscaping improvements done the school was advanced 7 years in terms of its maintenance schedule. Total cost of this project was approximately $350,000. Approximately 700 volunteers helped on the day.
- 2008 Community Makeover: Tamaki Primary School. As a result of this project the school was advanced between 8-10 years in terms of its maintenance schedule. Total cost of the project was approximately $250,000. Approximately 400 volunteers helped on the day. With special guests “mucking in” including Prime Minister John Key, Auckland NPC players and a visit from the New Zealand Breakers basketball team donating a new basketball hoop and basketballs.
At the conclusion of the 2008 Community Makeover Project Tamaki Primary nominated Glenbrae School for the next project. Glenbrae School is also a decile one school located in Glen Innes.
Why are we doing this?
We value and believe in people and local communities. By investing our time and resources into environments such as schools, we are encouraging the community to foster better relationships, value themselves and others, and work towards building a brighter tomorrow for our young people and this country’s future leaders.