• Jetstar’s Flying Start program helps Kiwi charity Bellyful double in size
• More families will have much needed support around dinner time
• Community groups invited to apply for second round of grant

New Zealand charity Bellyful is the first recipient of Jetstar’s Flying Start Program and will use a $30,000 grant to double its service of providing comfort food for families around.

Bellyful is a not-for-profit organisation which provides free, home-cooked meals to families who have newborns, are struggling with the illness of a parent or child, or are new to a community.

The organisation is run by a network of volunteers who cook and deliver the frozen, precooked meals to families.

Bellyful is the first New Zealand group to receive a $30,000 grant – split evenly between cash and flights – through the Jetstar Flying Start Program. The grant will help fund Bellyful’s plans to double its branches from 12 to 24 and its aim to help more families across New Zealand.

Jetstar Australia & New Zealand CEO, Mr David Hall, said the airline was inspired by Bellyful’s practical approach to helping families who are struggling.

“Bellyful is giving a helping hand to every-day Kiwis and that is exactly what the Jetstar Flying Start program is about,” Mr Hall said.

“They have seen a need and through the Jetstar Flying Start Program we can support them towards making life a little easier for people all over the country.”

Bellyful founder, Jacqui Ritchie, said the grant would transform the organisation’s future.

“What we provide isn’t just a comforting meal. We’re a smile, a much needed hug and another mum to chat to when everything is new and different,” Ms Ritchie said.

“This grant will make an unimaginable difference to Bellyful. I get calls every single week from communities who are crying out for the type of help we can provide in their area. We now have the funds and travel to confidently expand our service to these communities.”

This year the Jetstar Flying Start Program will award a total of $120,000 in travel and cash to New Zealand not-for-profit organisations, $30,000 each quarter.

Applications for the next grant close at 5.00pm (NZST) on 31 May 2012. Any New Zealand based not-for-profit community group or organisation in need of a Flying Start is encouraged to apply. Full application details and conditions can be found at www.jetstar.com.

Jetstar and its generous customers also supports communities through StarKids, its partnership with World Vision, to help improve the lives of underprivileged children across Asia.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – FLYING START GRANTS PROGRAM

Grant Allocation

Each quarterly grant will be worth $30,000, comprising:

• $15,000 cash
• $15,000 worth of travel with Jetstar anywhere on the Jetstar network
• Promotion of their community group or organisation on Jetstar’s website and Facebook page

Who can apply

Entry is open to New Zealand based not-for-profit community groups and organisations of any size, who are seeking funding to help enhance the lives of people in their local community and can be classified into one of the following categories:

• Charity;
• Educational organisation;
• Health organisation;
• Sporting group or organisation; or
• Arts group or organisation

The community group or organisation should have a specific project in mind for how the grant will be used to benefit their local community.

When applications open and close

Grants will be awarded quarterly. Applications for each quarter open and close on the following dates: