We’re passionate about making a difference and having a go
From the very beginning of the company, Sally and David have desired to make a difference through supporting causes that they are passionate about. These causes include support for young people (either through casual employment opportunities and scholarships) and support for community groups that desire to make a difference. Read the stories of some of our past young employees, and where they are now, and testimonials from some who we have supported.
Testimonials
On behalf of the College, myself and some very lucky Year 12 students, thank you so much to Start Afresh for sponsoring our attendance at the 2020 Zespri Conference last week. It was a wonderful experience and the students both enjoyed it and got a lot out of it.
The Katikati Advertiser will be running an article using the picture of your team and mine.
We really appreciate your ongoing support of our programme and look forward to this year’s lab-work project in the near future.
HILARY JOHNSON Innovative Horticulture Manager Katikati College
Thank you for your generous donation of kiwifruits to the Auckland City Mission. The mission relies heavily on donated items to ensure we can support people in desperate need, and is so grateful to you for helping us do that. Last year, the Mission distributed over 25,000 food parcels to families and individuals who were struggling to make ends meet. With the impact of COVID-19, we saw a sharp increase in that demand and now expect to continue providing at least twice the number of parcels we distributed last year. Because of you and your company’s generosity, we can do that – thank you. Knowing we have your assistance in providing nutritional, interesting food parcels and hygiene products to people who would otherwise not be able to fill their pantry and fridge is really heartening. Your contribution is a wonderful example of a company supporting their local community in the best possible way. With you by our side, the Auckland City Mission team will continue to work every day to care for those who need it most. Thank you again for your generous contribution. I am so grateful to you and all of your team. With heartfelt thanks.
CHRIS FARRELLY Auckland City Missioner
I AM HOPE
ALLEY CATS TRUST
Otumoetai Social Supermarket
Scholarship
Start Afresh offers a scholarship to graduate students looking to undertake a postgraduate qualification in an area of horticultural science, engineering or business that will make a significant impact on New Zealand’s horticultural industry.
If you are interested in applying for this scholarship, please contact Start Afresh by email on admin@startafresh.co.nz
In 2020, I was awarded the Start Afresh scholarship for my studies towards a Masters in Horticultural Science. This allowed me to dedicate more time towards my degree and work part-time at the business. The scholarship substantially removed the financial burden that comes with being a student and enabled me to excel in my course papers, achieving a GPA of 8.7 in my studies. I was also able to gain practical research experience whilst receiving relevant and valuable mentorship from Dave, Sally and my colleagues. I would like to thank Start Afresh and highly recommend this opportunity to students, as it has been imperative to my studies and subsequent career path!
Simone Blackwood Master’s Graduate from Lincoln University
