We’re finishing the year with a rush and keen to share all our news with you!

Construction Update

As you know, we started construction in September – well, it looks more like destruction at this point! But our builders tell us progress is good and they’ll have at least part of the new floor in by Christmas with the main structure for the new middle building starting to go up in the New Year.

What’s Up with Our Youth Group?

They’ve been busy! Running a fantastic carwash fundraiser last weekend, washing over 50 cars and raising $550.  Huge thanks to Macaulay Ford for providing the venue and logistical support.

Next up they’re flying the flag (literally) at the Santa Parade and, also in the Xmas theme, they will have a booth at Christmas in the Park on Sunday 14 December.

Meanwhile, Southland Girls High School’s Leo Club is taking part in the Murihiku Christmas Tree Festival at ILT Stadium and have nominated The Grace Street Project as their selected charity should they be in the top three (hint…it would be great to have your vote!)

The Great Christmas Car Boot Sale

And then our Youth Ambassadors will be helping us run the Great Christmas Car Boot Sale. If you’ve got something you could sell, or you’d like to be social before Christmas and hang out with us, we’d love to see you – and the Southland Sports Bar will be putting on some special meal deals as well.  Only $10 per car, register online (QR code below or on our fb page) or at the bar.

Where’s the fundraising at?

The good news is that we’ve raised another $250,000 so $3.85M in total and the amount left to raise is now a bit over $2M.

This week we launched the next phase of our fundraising plan, the Southland 1000 Campaign - asking one thousand people/groups to donate $1,000 each in exchange for a plaque in their name on the outside wall of the new building.

If you can become a founding member of the Southland 1000 club, or perhaps you could get a group together – we’d be so grateful if you’re able to Buy a Plaque and Make Your Mark!

More info/ to purchase: thegracestreetproject.nz/southland-1000

Read the news article: The Grace Street Project launches the Southland 1000 fundraising campaign

Community Fundraisers

We’re so happy to report on some fundraisers that have generously nominated The Grace Street Project as the/a beneficiary.

Placemakers Southern Scooter Challenge

First up, the magnificent Placemakers Southern Scooter Challenge being held on March 21 next year, with a new route – Invercargill’s Teretonga Raceway to Te Anau followed by a proper After Party at the Te Anau Club. This is a major event, with 185 scooters so far signed up. Southern Scooter Challenge - Home

We, and the Challenge, got a huge boost recently when we were joined by all nine Rotary Clubs of Southland – from Gore, Invercargill x5, Winton, Riverton and Te Anau. The Clubs will support the Challenge by donating and running various raffles and auctions.  It’s the first time all nine Clubs have collaborated on the same project and we’re so thrilled and grateful to have their participation.

Read more here: Rotary clubs unite in support of The Grace Street Project

Southland Community Challenge

Supporting: Hospice Southland, KiwiHarvest and The Grace Street Project.

Centred around Surf to City in 2026, the aim is to bring the entire community together to support local charities through fun, fitness, and generosity.  The 2026 month long challenge will culminate with 12 local First Responders carrying a Stokes Basket from Oreti Beach to Queens Park during the Surf to City event. The basket’s weight will increase based on donations—up to a maximum of 150kg—making it a true test of community spirit!

Thank-you Kiel Brodie and team, we’re stoked! 😊

For more information or to donate visit: Southland Community Challenge - Givealittle

33 To Home

A big shout out to Paul Heads who will walk from Invercargill to Edendale in January 2026, supporting the Grace Street Project because he says, “South Invercargill deserves this hub….and it’s high time we let this place flourish to its full potential.”

Well said Paul! And we’re very grateful for your support.

You can support Paul here: 33 To Home - Givealittle

Can You Help?

We still need $2.0M to complete Stage 2 by October 2026

Ways you could help
If you / your workplace / your organisation could help us by holding your own fundraising event, we’d be very grateful.

You can find ideas and resources at
Host a Fundraiser | The Grace Street Project

Or get in touch - we’d love to chat. Contact: Michael 027 303 3128 or michael@gracestreet.nz

And that’s a wrap for 2025

We’d like to take this opportunity to wish everyone and their families a great holiday period and a happy, prosperous year in 2026.

We’re so grateful for your interest and support throughout 2025 and with your help, the Grace Street Project will finish the build next year!

Let’s Build This. The Grace Street Project

Warm best wishes

The Grace Street Trustees

Info@thegracestreetproject.nz

Tel: Janette 021 463779