Bed, Bath and Beyond NZ are always looking for ways to support and engage with their staff and communities, so when the opportunity arose to become a sponsor partner with The KEECT, CEO Trevor Brown and his wife Carolyn saw it as a meaningful way they could make a difference in the South Auckland area where many of the Bed, Bath & Beyond staff and families are based.  

“BB&B has always had strong connections with this vibrant part of Tamaki Makaurau, with many of our staff belonging to the community. Our warehouse/support office was originally in Papakura and is now in Manurewa, hence our desire to create scholarships for both Manurewa High School and Manukau Institute of Technology”.

They have established 3 scholarships with The Kate Edger Educational Charitable Trust:

  • Bed, Bath & Beyond MIT Award – to assist a woman enrolled in the first year of a three-year degree course at Manukau Institute of Technology
  • Bed, Bath & Beyond Staff Award – to assist a child of a Bed Bath & Beyond Employee enrolled in a three or four year degree course at an NZ tertiary institute.
  • Bed, Bath & Beyond Manurewa High School Award – assist a Manurewa High School student who is planning to enroll in a three or four year degree course at a NZ tertiary institute

Carolyn and Trevor say they have been “incredibly impressed with the candidates over the past 2 years, and we really enjoy keeping in touch with our awardees throughout their university journeys”.

One of these awardees is Janny Latthiwan-Jones, pictured with owner and CEO Trevor Brown, who was the inaugural recipient of the BB&B Manurewa High School Award.  

Janny was a standout candidate and tells us how receiving the award has impacted her:

“I am in my first year of studying for a 4 year honours degree in Engineering at the University of Auckland. I’ve decided to pursue engineering to help me achieve my goal in combating global issues such as climate change, poverty, and women’s rights.  

The Bed Bath & Beyond Manurewa High School Award has helped me significantly with my tertiary education.  The money had covered my course books, stationery, and other tertiary essentials. It also covers my commute that consists of a 40-minute train ride one way and costs around $50 per week.  The award had put less pressure on me financially.  Without it, I would have had less time to pursue my education to fit in my part-time job alongside my other commitments.  Overall, the award has benefited me in many ways, and I am very grateful to have received it.  “