RECREATE

Recreate NZ is a registered not for profit charitable Trust established in 2002. We are committed to enhancing the intellectual, social, emotional and physical development as well as the independence of young people living with a disability.

We have grown from humble beginnings into a provider of over 500 programmes each year delivering outstanding adventure, recreational, social, educational and work experience programmes to the disability communities of Auckland, Christchurch, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Wellington. In July 2022, Recreate NZ celebrated 20 years of ’life changing experiences for youth with disabilities.’ In that time, Recreate has developed and matured into a fun, encouraging, hugely rewarding and safe place for so many rangatahi.

Recreate NZ are so appreciative of the continued support from the Downlights Charitable Trust. 100% of these funds are put towards enabling young people with disabilities access work placement opportunities through the Recreate NZ Moxie (Meaningful Opportunities Crossing into Employment) initiative. We are pleased to advise that 80% or participants in this programme secure employment at the end of their placement, and the support of the trust helps to make this happen.

www.recreate.org.nz

LIFE EDUCATION TRUST

Mid 2019 sparked a special collaboration between Downlights and Life Education Trust, born out of mutual passions for caring for the greater community. “Harold” the giraffe is a powerful mascot and part of the brilliance of an iconic NZ charity that began in 1987 with the vision to “enable children to reach their full potential and to educate and inspire generations to embrace positive choices for a healthy mind and body”, states current Chairman, Lance Hutchinson.

Downlights is proud to provide Life Education Trust with a small range of bespoke “Harold” candles made by the Downlights Crew. Proceeds from the sales of these limited edition candles help fund work packs for NZ children after their visit with Harold.

To support this necessary charity you can purchase one of our fabulous candles by visiting the following website https://www.harold.co.nz/downlights or you can make a direct donation to Life Education Trust:

https://www.harold.co.nz/help-harold-help-kids

THE LUCY FOUNDATION

Established in 2014, The Lucy Foundation (TLF) is a Kiwi social enterprise that is transforming the global coffee industry through inclusive, ethical, and environmentally regenerative trade.

TLF's first project is based in Pluma Hidalgo, Oaxaca, Mexico, where they are working with indigenous coffee-farming families and disabled people to regenerate the environment while developing a culture of inclusivity and empowerment through the production of specialty Pluma coffee beans. The coffee is shipped to Aotearoa New Zealand by John Burton Ltd, and lovingly roasted by Able Coffee Collaborative - both organisations who also support disability rights, inclusion and diversity. Together with their partners, TLF have helped to create what is believed to be the world's first entirely inclusive value chain of coffee - from farmer (Mexico) to consumer (Aotearoa). Not only is their coffee delicious (2020 cupping score of 86), but it also cares for people and the environment.

The best way to support TLF is to purchase their coffee for your home and workplace. For every 1kg of coffee sold, $5 is donated back into disability rights projects. And if coffee isn't your thing, TLF also accepts donations through their website: www.thelucyfoundation.com

GENEVA HEALTHCARE

Geneva Healthcare helps Kiwis with their healthcare, rehabilitation and disability support needs.
With an aspiration for ALL Kiwis to live their best life through wellness, independence and community connection,

Downlights is proud to have Geneva Healthcare as part of our network and their nationwide team of experts. 

MOXIE

Recreate NZ launched the MOXIE (Meaningful Opportunities X’ing Into Employment) initiative in 2016. MOXIE is a series of projects that provide skill-based training and meaningful work experience for youth with disabilities who are leaving the schooling system with vastly limited opportunities. The programme aims to equip school leavers with the skills needed to transition into employment and works in collaboration with established businesses to enable practical industry based learning. 


MOXIE is going from strength to strength with the initiatives and opportunities they are offering the young people, one example of this is the collaboration with Downlights NZ. By partnering with Downlights NZ, the programme is empowering young people to develop self-determination, control over their lives and a sense of achievement and purpose. The participants are encouraged to do their own planning and contribute their thoughts to the business, whilst also being supported to master the skills needed to work in this industry. This is hugely beneficial as it gives the young people drive for the work they are doing and encourages a sense of ownership over their work.