At the Len Reynolds Trust, we often talk about doing funding differently — being relational, responsive, and recognising the power of collaboration. Recently, we had the privilege of experiencing this first-hand through the incredible journey of supporting the Western Community Centre’s vision for a Youth Hub in Nawton.
It began in July 2024, when our Chief Executive, Melissa Gibson, met with Neil Tolan at the Western Community Centre. The idea of a Youth Hub emerged as a spark — a possibility that could transform the lives of rangatahi in the community. Around the same time, one of our board members, Joe Wilson, was creating a video for his mahi on the need for more space for a youth facility at Western.
When Joe shared the video at a board meeting, it ignited something powerful. The storytelling was raw and real. It painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by rangatahi and the transformative potential of a dedicated space where they could thrive. Watching that video together as a board, we knew we had to do more than acknowledge the idea — we had to help bring it to life.
With that clarity, the Trustees made a bold decision: to commit $100,000 to the Western Community Centre’s Youth Hub, the largest grant in our Trust’s history.
This wasn’t just a grant; it was a statement of belief in the kaupapa, the leadership of the Western Community Centre, and the resilience of the Nawton community.
Walking the Talk
We knew however, that a single grant, no matter how large, wouldn’t be enough to make the Youth Hub a reality. As funders, we have the time, networks, and capacity to bring others to the table. It was our responsibility to amplify this kaupapa and get others on board.
We organised a hui with other funders, inviting them to hear directly from the staff and board of the Western Community Centre. Their presentation was outstanding—filled with passion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of their community’s needs. The Western team showed not only their vision but also their readiness to make it happen.
The response was incredible. Following the hui and subsequent conversations, three additional funders have now committed to supporting the Youth Hub. This is a powerful reminder that collaboration creates momentum—funding attracts more funding, and collective action can turn sparks into fires.
Challenging the Status Quo
This experience reinforced something we believe deeply: funding is about more than money. It’s about relationships, advocacy, and being willing to step outside traditional models of philanthropy. For too long, funding has been transactional, competitive, and siloed. At the Len Reynolds Trust, we are committed to challenging that status quo.
We believe in walking alongside our partners, sharing the load, and making things as easy as possible for the groups we serve. Whether it’s organising a hui, advocating for projects, or simply connecting people, we want to play our part in creating change that lasts.
Stronger Together
The journey to establish the Youth Hub at the Western Community Centre is far from over. But the embers have been stoked, and the flames are growing. Together with the Western Community Centre, the Nawton community, and our fellow funders, we are building something remarkable—a space where rangatahi can belong, grow, and thrive.
As funders, we are humbled by the responsibility and privilege of this work. To be part of this kaupapa is to witness the power of collective effort, to see how small sparks can grow into big fires. We are stronger together, and when we collaborate, we can achieve so much more than we ever could alone.
He waka eke noa – we’re all in this together.
The Len Reynolds Trust remains steadfast in our commitment to creating a Waikato where all children and young people are secure, resilient, and thriving. We are thrilled to support the Western Community Centre and look forward to seeing this vision become a reality.
To Neil, the Western Community Centre team, and everyone who has joined this journey, ngā mihi nui. Your leadership inspires us. Let’s keep the fires burning.
Toitū te rangatahi. Toitū te hapori. Toitū te kaupapa.
