Words from Glenda

At our AGM it was wonderful to look back on how far we’ve come since launching in 2014. We’ve grown our endowments to $6.5 million and over that time have granted $752,000 to worthy causes in Tairāwhiti-Gisborne. We’re so fortunate to have such a generous community who have supported us with bequests in their wills or with donations.

Wills Month in September serves as a reminder to create or update this all-important document. If you’re considering leaving a gift in your will, we can help you make yours a lasting legacy for our community. With our smarter giving model, your gift can be continuously invested to grow, making our community a better place for future generations. If you would like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to come in and have a chat with me over a cup of coffee. 

One of our founding trustees Lilian Tangaere-Baldwin has stepped down as a trustee, as well as from our grants committee. Lilian will be greatly missed as her experience and knowledge about the Coast have been invaluable over the years. We also farewell Richard Montgomery who has served on our investments committee since its inception. Richard’s expertise and time have been very much appreciated and we wish him well in retirement. 

Alzheimer’s Gisborne, which celebrated its 30th birthday last month, does a vital job in our community caring for those diagnosed with dementia. Their new fund with Sunrise will provide a secure and guaranteed source of income every year, which will benefit them increasingly as it grows. I hope having a fund with us will raise awareness in the community of the essential service they offer and encourage people to support them, particularly as rates of dementia are on the rise. 

Community Foundations NZ held its annual conference near the end of May, and I came away feeling even more inspired about the positive difference we’re making. There are 17 Community Foundations across New Zealand and collectively we’re making a huge impact, with $231 funds under management and $9 million granted to communities throughout New Zealand.  

Glenda Stokes 

EXECUTIVE OFFICER