Choice Hotels Asia-Pac has awarded Christchurch-based charity Aspire Canterbury a NZ$4,000 grant through its Your Community, Your Choice program, an initiative which champions local organisations driving a meaningful difference. The grassroots grant program encourages hotel franchisees within the Choice network to nominate a local charity to receive a community grant. Hotel Elms Christchurch, an Ascend Collection Hotel, proudly nominated Aspire Canterbury for its outstanding work in the disability sector. Aspire Canterbury provides free disability information and advice, and access to resources to enable people with a disability or impairment, to live their best life by enabling community participation and maximum independence. Chris Davis, Chief Executive of Aspire Canterbury, said the funds will directly help people who really need it. "Each year, Aspire supports around 10,000 individuals from across New Zealand who have a disability or impairment, by providing support for everything from navigating services to accessing practical help," Chris said. "Our Disability Hardship Fund supports people experiencing economic hardship by covering essential disability-related costs. This $4,000 grant will fund two full months of direct support, with 100% of funds going to families and individuals in need. "The fund has helped families in incredibly practical ways – from buying a trampoline for four children who have special needs so their parents can take a break, to funding autism assessments, mobility scooters and specialist shower equipment. Being selected for a Your Community, Your Choice grant is incredibly encouraging. Support from local businesses like Hotel Elms, an Ascend Collection Hotel, allows us to keep delivering vital services where they're needed most." Choice Hotels Asia-Pac's Senior Director Commercial and Revenue Management Kari Hunter said Aspire Canterbury was chosen for its valuable work in the local community, enhancing the lives of people who have a disability or impairment by enabling community participation and optimising independence. "Aspire Canterbury's work has a tangible impact on individuals and families in their community, and we're proud to support the team to extend its programs that empower people with disabilities to live their best life," Kari said. "Our hotels, including Hotel Elms Christchurch, an Ascend Collection Hotel, are at the heart of their communities. The Your Community, Your Choice initiative allows them to support organisations they see doing important, on-the-groundwork in their own city or region." Four grants of $4,000 each were awarded across Australia and New Zealand to organisations making a meaningful impact, while 15 additional winners were announced across the US. Alongside Aspire Canterbury, the three other Australasian-based recipients to receive a grant were:
- Four Reasons Why (Mount Gambier) – distributes clothing, household essentials and gift cards to local families experiencing hardship
- Warrina Domestic & Family Violence Specialist Services (Coffs Harbour) – crisis accommodation and support for vulnerable women and children, free counselling and case management services
- Our Village (Geelong) – gathers and rehomes essential baby and children's items in partnership with social workers and maternal and child health nurses
