Community grants and donations from the Invercargill Licencing Trust (ILT) have now reached $200 million, following their January board meeting.

This amount has been granted throughout the 78-year history of the Trust.

ILT group chair Alan Dennis said the board was thrilled to reach the $200 million dollar mark.

“Operating in the current challenging environment has made reaching and celebrating this milestone even more pleasing”

“Our commitment to working in partnership with our community has never wavered since our inception in 1944 and this donations total is something the whole community can take pride in’’

ILT chief executive Chris Ramsay shares this sentiment.

“Our very purpose is for our community and we’re immensely proud to share this achievement with them. We couldn’t do it without the community’s support.”

“Their continued support is always appreciated, but even more so during these remarkable and challenging times.”

The $200 million is made up of grants towards a wide range of community groups, city infrastructure and noteworthy projects.

Many landmarks and facilities around the city have been funded by ILT grants and donations. 

In 1969 the original fountains near Feldwick gates were donated to the community as part of ILT’s 25 year celebrations.

More recent donations include contributions towards ILT Stadium Southland, the learner’s pool at Splash Palace and other sports grounds including the hockey turf and new softball headquarters at Surrey Park.

Dennis days the Trust say they are continuing to invest in Invercargill, most recently through the Langland’s Hotel, the largest development in ILT’s history which is due to open in the coming months.

“The Langlands Hotel, including all of the bars and eateries within it, signals our commitment to Invercargill. With international borders closed and a restricted trading environment, the focus is on completing the build so that the community can enjoy first-hand the vibrancy that this development will add to CBD,’’ he says.