Positive Change
Positive Change
At Rotary Club of Wellington (RCW), we channel our energy into volunteer efforts, generous member contributions, endowments, and lively fundraising activities. This creates a solid foundation of resources to spark positive change in the communities we serve.
Our members actively steward these initiatives with care, ensuring they make a real difference. Highlights include sponsoring young leaders through programmes like RYLA, staging the annual Jumbo Tennis fundraiser to support child health via the Wellington Hospital Foundation and Lifting the Lid (a mental health initiative for adolescents), and providing vital backing to the Home of Compassion Soup Kitchen.
We Prioritise Youth Well-Being
One of RCW's priority areas for positive change is young people, particularly supporting young people's leadership potential, fostering greater understanding of democracy, and supporting youth mental wellbeing. We achieve this through targeted sponsorships, partnerships, and hands-on initiatives that empower the next generation. In the last year we have supported:
The RYLA Youth Leadership Award: RYLA is a Rotary-wide programme, focused on young people aged 18-25. It provides a platform for young leaders to grow and make a positive impact in their communities. Past participants often return as mentors, creating a powerful cycle of inspiration and skill-sharing that strengthens Rotary's legacy of leadership development.
Lifting the Lid - This Wellington-wide Rotary programme, run by the Port Nicholson Rotary Club, aims to support schools in the Greater Wellington area to access additional mental health interventions for individual students. The programme is spreading across the Wellington Region and provides support for increasing numbers of students. By connecting schools with specialised counsellors and resources, it helps address emotional challenges early, fostering resilience and brighter futures for young people in need.
Strengthening Democracy–Initiated by RCW member Peter Cullen, this project encourages youth participation in democracy. In collaboration with schools, the project asks students to explore what democracy means to them through engaging, enquiring minds with public and political leaders. By fostering open dialogue and critical thinking, it equips young people with the tools to become active, informed citizens in their communities.
Other Rotary initiatives that RCW supports are co-ordination of School Uniform Grants on behalf of the JR McKenzie Education Fund, RYPEN (Rotary Youth Programme of Enrichment) and IYM (Innovate Young Minds - encouraging girls interested in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics and High Tech.) We also provide some support of Te Ara School which educates secondary school students who struggle to fit into main stream schooling.
Our Trusts - important for our impact on the community
Wellington Rotary Charitable Trust Since its founding in 1984 by the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Wellington Rotary Charitable Trust has been a cornerstone of community support. By enabling members to contribute through donations or bequests, the Trust channels resources towards meaningful causes, ensuring sustained impact. It also oversees the club’s fundraising proceeds, maximizing their benefit to the community. While the Trust doesn’t accept public applications, it remains responsive to needs through requests made via the Rotary Club’s Board, ensuring contributions reach the areas where they can make the greatest difference.
John Ilott Charitable Trust With a capital base of $3.7 million, the John Ilott Charitable Trust exemplifies philanthropic dedication. Each year, it distributes grants between $1,000 and $5,000—totaling approximately $150,000 to $160,000—to fuel initiatives that bring positive change. The Trustees uphold the Ilott Family’s vision by allocating funds strategically. Their focus on seed money for new projects, those enhancing family well-being and the arts, ensures that these grants not only support immediate needs but also foster long-term community enrichment.
Planting of the 100,000th tree in Mt Victoria.
Our Trusts - important for our impact on the community
Wellington Rotary Charitable Trust Since its founding in 1984 by the Rotary Club of Wellington, the Wellington Rotary Charitable Trust has been a cornerstone of community support. By enabling members to contribute through donations or bequests, the Trust channels resources towards meaningful causes, ensuring sustained impact. It also oversees the club’s fundraising proceeds, maximizing their benefit to the community. While the Trust doesn’t accept public applications, it remains responsive to needs through requests made via the Rotary Club’s Board, ensuring contributions reach the areas where they can make the greatest difference.
John Ilott Charitable Trust With a capital base of $3.7 million, the John Ilott Charitable Trust exemplifies philanthropic dedication. Each year, it distributes grants between $1,000 and $5,000—totaling approximately $150,000 to $160,000—to fuel initiatives that bring positive change. The Trustees uphold the Ilott Family’s vision by allocating funds strategically. Their focus on seed money for new projects, those enhancing family well-being and the arts, ensures that these grants not only support immediate needs but also foster long-term community enrichment.