In June 2011, Craig the Painter will be expanding to Christchurch, and as always we will be actively seeking opportunities whereby we are able to assist the people of Christchurch and surrounding districts via sponsorship. Craig the Painter will focusing on not-for-profit organisations, and schools which reflect and share our own values and expectations.

Recently Craig the Painter became a major sponsor of BigBuddy, an unbelievable charitable organisation whereby fatherless boys are matched up with men one on one to share time together, and do boys stuff.  Many of the relationships that are formed between the boys and their male mentors last a lifetime. This is a charity I'm personally wrapped to be able to help. Keep up the good work guys. www.bigbuddy.org.nz

This year we have created a regular sponsorship with Otamatea High School in Maungaturoto. This school is an award winning secondary school, and is officially one of the countries best!  It is a school with excellent structures, good discipline, friendly caring staff, and cool kids. On a personal note, I have found the positivity of this school totally refreshing, with each classroom just full of positive vibes. Great stuff! Why not check out their website. www.otamatea.school.nz

Craig the Painter has become a sponsor of Papa's kitchen in Wellsford. Papa's Kitchen represents what community is all about. People helping people. Papa's Kitchen provides a wholesome meal for between 30 and 100 people on a Monday night at the old railway station. It is primarily funded by the generosity of local business and churches, and run by volunteers. Great stuff.

This month, Craig the Panter has sponsored 2000 drink coasters for the Wellsford RSA. So next time you stop in, keep an eye out for our drink coasters.

Here are just a few of the many other charities and organisations that Craig the Painter has supported.

Habitat for humanity: A Christian organisation that gives people around the world the opportunity to have a decent roof over their head.  www.habitat.org.nz

Canteen: One of my favourite charities. An organisation which helps to support teenagers and young people struggling with the day-to-day battle of cancer. www.canteen.org.nz

Red Cross: Long established charity which seeks to help humanity in various ways. Everything from disaster relief to youth suicide education. www.redcross.org.nz

Child Cancer: Support kids and their parents dealing with the horror of kids cancer by dealing with the challenges in a positive way.  www.childcancer.org.nz

Rodney College: Craig the Painter's old school. Rodney College has had its trials in recent times, but thanks to new management and an enthusiastic principal and board, the school is on the up and up once more. Rodney College is a small school that has always performed well above its weight, and has consistancy achieved well above national averages for as long as I can remember. Why not check them out. www.rodneycollege.school.nz

Westpac Resue: An organisation which uses helicopters to rescue those in isolated areas, or where accident victims are in critical condition and time is of the essense. www.westpac.co.nz

Project K: An incredible organisation which seeks to help 14-15 year olds build up self confidence in a positive way.  www.projectk.org.nz

Salvation Army: A Christian organisation renowned for providing the most basic needs to to the most vulnerable, with food and other supplies. www.salvationarmy.org.nz

Paralympics: Olympians who suffer from a physical disorder. Incredibly inspiring! www.paralympics.org.nz

St Johns Ambulance: Famous for the local ambulances, but also an organisation that provides many courses for all ages in the feild of health, and medical rescue. www.stjohn.org.nz

Tomarata School: A small country school surrounded by farmland. Renowned for its fantastic school community, and friendly environment. www.tomorata.school.nz

Wellsford Golf Club: Wellsford Golf Club is situated 2km south of Wellsford. You will meet friendly people, and discover a challenging course with outstanding rural views