Mayors salary donated to community

At the Taupo Moana Rotary Club Awards evening on Monday (23 June) an initial $36,000 of Mayor Rick Cooper’s salary and funds raised by the club was donated to various community groups and charitable organisations for the benefit of Taupo District residents.

At the awards ceremony 22 groups representing all sectors of the community were awarded a grant of up to $3,500 to assist and support their organisations.

Mayor Rick Cooper spoke at the awards ceremony and acknowledged the volunteers involved with these community groups who contribute many hours to their organisations for the good of the community. “This district should be really proud of the many volunteers we have who are always keen to put up their hands to help with various activities. This is what builds community spirit,” he said.

When Mayor Rick made the decision to run for Mayor, he also decided that his Mayoral salary should be fed back into the community. President of the Taupo Moana Rotary Club, Rob McKnight said the club was delighted to be chosen by Rick and Lynn to distribute the funds and look forward to distributing the remaining $49,000 as it becomes available.

“Tonight represents the first of many such evenings where funds raised by our Rotary club as well as the mayoral salary is returned to the community from where it came. To Rick and Lynn, thanks,” said Mr McKnight.

The organisations that received funds include:
Taupo Aspergers Support Group
Daycare for Elderly
Lake Taupo Hospice Trust
Taupo Riding for the Disabled
Taupo BMX Club
Drug and Alcohol Support Trust
Taupo Hospital Chaplaincy
Life Education Trust
Rangitaki School
Trisport Taupo - Training Support
Taupo Citizens Advice Bureau
Taupo School of Music