Life is about to change for Tauranga 11-month-old Harry Ward, after receiving a grant from the Mazda Foundation to purchase an Airvo Humidification System.

Harry suffers from a life-threatening condition where his breathing stops suddenly, making it difficult to be out in public.

In the weeks following a tracheotomy to help open his airways, Harry had to be resuscitated by his family 14 times.

These life-threatening episodes are very stressful for the family and doctors haven't been able to explain why they are occurring or how to prevent them.

Due to the unknown nature of Harry's condition, the Wards's always have to carry oxygen with them.

However, Harry's family want to ensure he can still participate and engage in as many opportunities as possible.

Harry's mother, Natasha Ward, received $3064.50 to purchase the portable Airvo Humidification System for her son which will allow them to leave the house safely.

Natasha says Harry is fortunate, as most children who require oxygen equipment are hospital bound.

'With the Airvo System, Harry will be able to visit his aunties and grandparents, go to the local playground and come to drop his big brother off at kindy,” she says.

Harry's family are excited he will be able to experience the everyday things that most of us take for granted.

Natasha is one of four recipients in the Bay of Plenty region to receive funding in the Mazda Foundation's second round of funding for 2019.

In total, more than $100,000 was distributed to 32 recipients around NZ.

Blue Light Ventures Incorporated, Rotorua Community Hospice Trust and Nikki Wilson, on behalf of Stevie Jensen, also received a helping hand from the Foundation.

Blue Light Ventures Incorporated received $4460.40 to purchase fishing handlines and tackle for the disadvantaged youth and their whanau who attend the Kids Gone Fishin' events around New Zealand.

Rotorua Community Hospice Trust received $4167 to purchase three new oxygen concentrators for patients to loan and use in their homes.

Nikki Wilson received $1,458.50 on behalf of Stevie Jensen who is both blind and deaf, to purchase new running gear and a fitness tracker in preparation for the upcoming Tauranga

Half Marathon and Rotorua Full Marathon.

Each year the Mazda Foundation hosts three funding rounds to help Kiwis in need, having gifted over $3.5 million back to the community since its inception in 2005.

David Hodge, Managing Director of Mazda New Zealand and Chairman of the Mazda Foundation says he is always inspired by the Kiwis and organisations working to make a difference.

'Whether it is providing funds for individuals like Harry and Stevie to experience life to its fullest, or ensuring community trusts can continue their fantastic work – the Mazda Foundation are honoured to lend a helping hand.”

The Mazda Foundation is funded through a contribution from the sale of every new Mazda in New Zealand. For information on other recipients from the June Funding round, please visit http://mazdafoundation.org.nz/grant-recipients.

Applications for the next round of Mazda Foundation funding applications close on September 30, 2019. For more information or to download an application form, visit www.mazdafoundation.org.nz.