Gifts totalling $38,737 were presented to 36 local community groups, individuals and charities at the Geyser Community Foundation Awards Function held in Rotorua recently.
In hosting this year’s function, Geyser’s Deputy Chairman, Alan Wills said this event was a wonderful tribute to the generosity of local people.
“First established in 2007 with no money, the Foundation is the result of local people understanding that they can do good things with their charitable intentions, and even greater things when they partner with others.
“Geyser connects people who care with causes that matter to create greater good for the whole community now and forever.
“We’re different because we’re not about one single cause; we’re about a place and its people.
“Through us people can choose which significant local projects and causes to invest in to help transform our community.
“Trustees are very grateful to these generous local people. With their support we continue to be able to reach further into our local communities.”
This year gifts would benefit people in all corners of the Rotorua and Taupo District communities, including Whakamaru, Mangakino, Reporoa and Turangi.
Also, 68 recipients had received more than $154,000 direct from donor advised funds managed by the Foundation this financial year.
“When establishing endowment funds, donors can choose their favourite local cause or causes to receive annual gifts from their funds, and this will continue year on year, forever.”
Donors’ pooled funds have grown to $8.5 million.
“In addition, we have an estimated $16.5 million anticipated in local people’s wills so far.”
Geyser Community Foundation has gifted more than $2 million on behalf of a growing number of donors since it first began making distributions in 2008.
Mr Wills said we look forward to the day when we have our first $25 million so together, we can do more.”
(8/11/22)