A belief in giving back

Maureen Potroz always said it was the support of two generous people early in her life that fostered her belief of giving back. During her early years Maureen met two music teachers who recognised her talent and nurtured it, providing free training when she couldn’t afford it. Their generosity and kindness had a big influence on her.

Maureen gave back to the community, just as her early benefactors did, by training young local musicians (whether they could afford it or not), volunteering for thirty years as an official accompanist at Gisborne music competitions and as the founding member of Centre Stage, a charitable organisation that has supported operatic and musical theatre in Gisborne since 1986.

When Maureen visited her lawyer to make arrangements for her will, after providing for loved ones, she talked to him about leaving something for the community. When he explained Sunrise to her, she loved the idea that a donation to Sunrise will keep on giving back to the community forever.

For a woman who has spent her life giving back to her community, it is heartening that her gift to Sunrise will continue that legacy forever.

You can read Maureen's full story on the Donors page of our website.