Julia Knight describes herself simply: “I’m not a do-gooder, but I want to do good.” This comment perfectly captures the no-frills, practical nature of the Tolaga Bay local, whose love of animals and the East Coast has inspired her decision to leave a gift to Sunrise Foundation in her will.
Born in Tolaga Bay, then raised in Tokomaru Bay and Gisborne, Julia spent her working years in various parts of the North Island before returning to Tolaga Bay for retirement.
“I love living up the Coast,” she says. “There's just something about the ruggedness and the lifestyle there.”
Julia immersed herself in community life when she moved back, including serving with the local Fire Brigade as a first responder, continuing a lifetime of quietly helping where she could.
Animals, however, have always held a special place in her heart. Growing up, Julia always had pets but was never allowed a dog, so buying her first home also meant getting her first dog. Julia currently has two rescue dogs, Maz and Vera and says, “Dogs are the best mates you could have.”
Julia’s planned gift in her will to Sunrise will come through shares she inherited from her uncle. On her passing, the shares will transfer to Sunrise and become part of Sunrise’s permanent endowment, with the investment income to specifically support animal welfare causes for generations to come.
“What appeals to me about Sunrise is the perpetuity,” Julia says. “I like knowing that the capital is never spent, and grows and grows, meaning the impact only gets bigger over time.”
With Wills Month approaching in September, Julia’s story is a reminder that leaving a gift in your will can take many forms, and that ordinary people can create extraordinary long-term impact for the causes they care about most.
Download our free Wills Information Pack, or learn more about leaving a gift in your will to Sunrise here.
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