Latest news with #Rainbow
Leader Live
12 hours ago
- General
- Leader Live
Fantastic four's skydive for Wrexham's Rainbow Foundation
Abbie Lachtane, Ceri Hughes, Maria Huxley and Karen Land completed tandem skydives in support of the Rainbow Foundation, an Ageing Well Centre of Excellence for Wales. Their jumps marked the grand finale of the Foundation's week-long celebration of Ageing Without Limits, a campaign dedicated to challenging stereotypes and embracing the limitless potential of ageing. Maria Huxley's skydive. Maria, 56, said: "It was an amazing experience to do the skydive for the Rainbow Foundation. With so many resources being lost because of funding, it was a pleasure to be able to raise some funds for such a deserving cause." Deputy home care and support manager Abbie, added: "I did the skydive to raise funds for the Rainbow Foundation as every penny counts when you're a charity. Read more: Wrexham fundraiser completes "incredibly tough" challenge in memory of husband "The nerves kicked in as we got ready to jump, but once you're out of the plane, it's like flying. "An unforgettable experience made even more special by doing it for such a great cause." The four skydivers raised £2,750, which has been added to the Rainbow Foundation's winter campaign - bringing the charity's latest fundraising drive to a close. In total, more than £12,500 was raised through a combination of community-led events, such as participation in the Wrexham 10k, alongside generous donations from individuals and local businesses. Read more: North Wales reporter to walk over 30 miles in aid of charity close to his heart These funds will enable the purchase of an additional vehicle to expand the Rainbow Foundation's community transport service - a lifeline that helps older adults stay connected, access essential services, and maintain their independence. With this expansion, the Foundation will be able to reach even more people across the region, helping to reduce isolation and improve quality of life. Read more: Fridge Freezer man Matt's new challenge for children's hospices Charity CEO Caroline Tudor-James said: "We are incredibly proud of our skydivers; their courage and commitment embody the spirit of our mission. This felt like a real celebration of life, resilience, and the power of giving back." For more information, visit • The Rainbow Foundation's holistic model includes comprehensive support under one roof at their Rainbow hubs in Penley and Marchwiel, and a range of outreach programmes and services embedded in the wider community.
Scoop
6 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Coalition Of Colonisers War On Trans Rights Is Colonial Violence
Te Pāti Māori stands firm in upholding mana motuhake over our bodies, identities, and spaces. We reject unequivocally the Crown's latest attempt to erase trans inclusion from sport. It is not only discriminatory, it is a direct continuation of colonial gender imposition. 'We reject all policies that seek to exclude our rainbow whānau from public life including sport' said Te Pāti Māori Co-leader, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer. 'Te Tiriti o Waitangi demands equity for all tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti. Government sport codes must reflect Tiriti justice not weaponised 'fairness'. Rainbow inclusion is a human right.' 'Our whakapapa includes ira tāne, ira wāhine, and ira atua. Our duty is to uphold mana for all not to replicate the violence of Western binary systems' added Co-leader Rawiri Waititi. 'This is nothing more than dog-whistle politics a deliberate attempt to inflame colonial fear and hatred instead of fostering understanding, education, and aroha within our communities.' Te Pāti Māori affirms that the existence, safety, and participation of our Rainbow and Takatāpui whānau are non-negotiable. We will always stand to protect the mana, rights, and whakapapa of our people.
The Spinoff
7 days ago
- Business
- The Spinoff
Rainbow charity Outline in limbo as ‘questionable financial practices' alleged
Insolvency is flagged as a risk in an Outline annual report that suggests the possibility that 'unsupervised recklessness' – including $100,000 of undocumented credit card transactions – has led to serious financial problems. The 'dire' state of Outline's books has been laid bare ahead of its annual general meeting tonight, with its board revealing insolvency is a risk. The rainbow mental health organisation's annual report, released to Outline members ahead of tonight's AGM, paints a picture of 'questionable financial practices' and 'limited transparency', with an IRD debt repayment plan not adhered to, a yet-to-be-completed financial audit finding undocumented transactions, including 'un-provenanced credit card transactions worth circa $100,000', and auditors questioning 'the volume and usage of international travel expenditures'. Outline provides phone and online support services for rainbow communities across Aotearoa, as well as in-person support groups in Auckland. A widely respected charitable organisation, according to its annual report it has conducted more than 3,000 online chats and phone calls in the latest financial year, as well as providing 'everything from emotional support to letters of advocacy, food parcels, and clothing' to trans clients in a time of heightened transphobia. While an increase in staff numbers and a reduction in funding opportunities put pressure on cash flow at the organisation, 'a lack of controls and policy' is a recurring theme in the report. The charity ended the 2024/25 financial year with a $186,000 deficit, after income of just over $589,000, and 'no significant financial reserves'. The 2025/26 draft budget forecasts a $129,000 loss, 'with our current cash reserves due to be depleted in September 2025'. As of Tuesday this week, Outline was 'unable to secure assurance from an auditor that we have sufficient reserves and income to be a going concern in 2025', according to the report. This means 'we are at risk of trading while insolvent, which places us in breach of the Charities Act and the Incorporated Societies Act. If we do not balance our budget through a combination of additional income and reduced expenditure, we will be operating illegally.' 'The picture narrated above and illustrated by the attached profit and loss and draft budget is dire,' concludes the financial report section of the annual report. 'It has been caused by unsupervised recklessness. Damage limitation was made difficult by the inexperience of the board and by a lack of timely decisions but was improved following the chief executive's decision to resign,' it continues. Emmaline Pickering-Martin stood down as CEO of Outline in May 2025, after 16 months in the role. On December 6, 2024, Outline had announced it was at risk of closing permanently and launched a fundraising campaign to help it stay afloat. 'The government's attacks on Rainbow communities are hitting hard, and Outline is no exception,' said an Outline post on social media. 'Our funding is drying up while the need for our services grows every day.' In a LinkedIn post on December 12, Pickering-Martin wrote that she was 'beyond disgusted and angry and hugely hurt' by a response from Te Whatu Ora/Health NZ, on behalf of mental health minister Matt Doocey, declining the organisation's plea for more financial support. Several months later, Pickering-Martin posted about requests for funding being turned down by non-government organisations: 'After having hui after hui to get us to tailor our application to explain how dire our situation is … and still … GOOD LUCK AFTER 50 YEARS ENJOY CLOSING THE DOORS… That's essentially what every single email says. Sorry we can't help you Brown Org. Sorry we can't help you Brown CEO but if you were just like the old CEO Claire (read: young pākehā who was kind and quiet and did exactly what we said the way we said it) if you were just like her … we'd be more likely to fund you. At this point EVERY SINGLE DECLINE FEELS PERSONAL,' she wrote. In a separate post announcing her resignation in May 2025, Pickering-Martin said she had encountered 'Pākehā censorship', despite 'having the best board members and bosses anyone could ever ask for'. In the annual report, board co-chair Shane Kelly said while the public donation campaign 'provided valuable short-term support, it was initiated without full board oversight and exposed gaps in internal coordination'. This became an ongoing problem, with the six-member board experiencing 'sustained challenges in maintaining oversight and internal communications', wrote Kelly, whose co-chair Grace Abott left the board in February 2025. 'Operating at reduced capacity and with limited up-to-date information, we were not always able to meet our governance expectations as required. Delays and limited transparency in financial reporting and coordination made it harder to respond in an effective and timely manner.' Outline began the financial year with nine staff and now has five, as well as a network of more than 60 volunteers who operate its phone and chat lines. Its wage bill for the 2024/25 year was $505,000, peaking at nearly $12,000 per week in December 2024 and reducing to $4,500 by June 2025. 'Our financial position is such that further staff reductions are pivotal for financial survival,' said the annual report. After the wage bill, the next biggest chunk of the organisation's $777,000 outgoings were koha at $57,000 and general expenses at $27,000, with $24,000 spent on national travel, $17,000 on hauora (health), $17,000 on rent, $16,500 on professional development and $15,500 on international travel, according to the annual report. 'The discretionary nature of most of the largest categories of spend in the financial year signals a lack of controls and policy in the organisation,' it said. Other concerns raised in the report included an outstanding debt to Inland Revenue of more than $65,000 and a repayment plan that was agreed but 'not maintained'. Separately, a third party had contracted the organisation to provide services and had begun making payments to Outline in the 2024/25 financial year. The money was spent before the work commenced, according to the report. The largest portion of Outline's $589,000 income was donations totalling just over $200,000, with non-government grants contributing over $176,000 and government grants over $77,000. Its annual report thanks 16 major funders, including The Tindall Foundation, Rātā Foundation, Le Va, Sweat with Pride and the One Percent Collective, as well as Te Whatu Ora, Hāpai Te Hauora and the Lottery Grants Board. After Pickering-Martin's departure, the board sought legal advice 'to clarify its responsibilities and ensure appropriate next steps', Kelly said in the report. The board then assumed interim leadership and established weekly board meetings, and 'worked with staff to start to reduce expenditure [and] develop new revenue pathways'. First quarter costs have reduced by 87%, 'due largely to the commitment and effort of our remaining staff', who are 'showing grace and patience as the board has struggled to retain control over costs'. It added: 'Staff have made significant sacrifices during the last financial year, while also being unwillingly exposed to questionable practices that require investigation to ensure we maintain regulatory credibility as an organisation.'
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
B&M shoppers rush to buy handy home furniture scanning at just £15 instead of £35 – it'll transform your child's room
We reveal how to spot 10p bargains on your next trip to B&M below BARGAIN BUY B&M shoppers rush to buy handy home furniture scanning at just £15 instead of £35 – it'll transform your child's room B&M shoppers are rushing to buy a handy piece of home furniture scanning for just £15 instead of £35. The discounter has slashed the price of the piece ideal for your child's room by 67%. 1 One B&M shopper spotted the bargain buy in their local branch scanning for just £15 Credit: Facebook / B&M Scanner And Other Bargains! Shoppers can pick up the Rainbow nine tub storage unit for the cut-price deal in store, although it might not be in all branches. One eagle-eyed customer found the bargain in their local B&M branch, posting about it on the B&M Scanner and Other Bargains Facebook page. They said: "My bargain of the day, reduced to £25 from £35 but actually scanned at £15 so I brought (sic) two. "Been looking for storage for little ones toys for ages and was reluctant to pay £50 plus for similar. Feeling very chuffed." Shoppers looking to find the storage unit themselves will have to head to their nearest B&M branch as the retailer doesn't offer a home delivery service. You can find your nearest B&M store via B&M says the storage unit should only be used inside while each of the nine tubs can store a maximum of two kilos each. Shoppers can buy it in two colours - Rainbow and Safari. The storage unit also comes with a customer satisfaction policy meaning if you're not happy with it you can return it within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or replacement. You just need to take your proof of purchase, like a receipt, with you. 6 ways to get the biggest bargains in B&M How to find bargains at B&M One of the best ways to find bargains at your local B&M store is by downloading the B&M scanner app. The app lets you use the camera on the your smartphone to scan barcodes and see what the true price of an item is. It can take time, but sometimes products selling for just 10p will show up. The app also offers you a description of the product you are scanning. B&M super shopper Sam Penney also recently revealed her six top tips for bagging a bargain at the discount chain too. The mum-of-two advised customers to look out for red and white stickers on products. These are not used by B&M often, but are worth keeping an eye out for as they are placed on products which have been reduced in price. Sam, who founded the B&M Scanner and Other Bargains Facebook page, also said shoppers will get the best bargains on Wednesday mornings. This is when products are slashed in price by staff. The bargain hunter also said it's worth speaking to B&M workers who can scan items and let you know if something is cheaper than its advertised price label. How to bag a bargain SUN Savers Editor Lana Clements explains how to find a cut-price item and bag a bargain… Sign up to loyalty schemes of the brands that you regularly shop with. Big names regularly offer discounts or special lower prices for members, among other perks. Sales are when you can pick up a real steal. Retailers usually have periodic promotions that tie into payday at the end of the month or Bank Holiday weekends, so keep a lookout and shop when these deals are on. Sign up to mailing lists and you'll also be first to know of special offers. It can be worth following retailers on social media too. When buying online, always do a search for money off codes or vouchers that you can use and are just two sites that round up promotions by retailer. Scanner apps are useful to have on your phone. app has a scanner that you can use to compare prices on branded items when out shopping. Bargain hunters can also use B&M's scanner in the app to find discounts in-store before staff have marked them out. And always check if you can get cashback before paying which in effect means you'll get some of your money back or a discount on the item. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Miami Herald
11-07-2025
- Health
- Miami Herald
‘Leopard dog' was found tethered to fence in Arizona heat. Now, she needs a home
American pit bull terriers aren't known for having elaborate coats of fur. But when one was found tethered to a fence beneath the beaming sun in the Arizona heat, her unusual appearance caught the eyes of rescuers. With decorative spots dyed all over her body, she soon became known as the 'leopard dog,' the Arizona Humane Society said in a July 10 news release. Now, a little over a month after her rescue, the 5-year-old dog — named Rainbow Brite — and her nine pups are looking for a home, the nonprofit said. The nonprofit said its staff responded to a report of a dog 'tethered to a fence in triple digit temperatures with no shelter and no water' on May 29. When staff arrived, they found Rainbow Brite with her puppies 'in direct sun with no water on 133-degree pavement,' the nonprofit said. 'It was also discovered that Rainbow was covered in leopard patterned dye,' the nonprofit said. She and her pups were heat stressed, according to the nonprofit. Rainbow's temperature measured 106 degrees, she was panting heavily and had bright red gums, the nonprofit said. Staff on scene quickly worked to lower her temperature, giving her water and covering her in wet towels, the nonprofit said. 'Within five minutes, her temperature lowered to 102.5 degrees – a sign of just how overheated she was,' the nonprofit said. After she was stabilized, Rainbow and her puppies were taken to the nonprofit's animal hospital, where staff found she was underweight. 'But the whole family was luckily found to be relatively healthy overall,' the nonprofit said. While she was in the care of a foster family, the nonprofit said 'Rainbow gained 20 pounds and the pups continued to grow big and strong.' After weeks of care, Rainbow and her pups are ready for a new home. 'I'm a sweet pup who just loves attention and meeting new people, it is one of my very favorite things in the whole world,' her profile on the nonprofit's website says. As of July 11, Rainbow was still up for adoption through the nonprofit's South Mountain Campus in Phoenix.
