Casual Fridays benefit those in need

Every Friday the Finance Hub at Gisborne District Council who are not working from home go to work in casual attire and they contribute a donation to the communal office jar, with all money raised going to Sunrise’s General Fund.  

Tina Swann, internal audit partner says, “There’s no pressure within the team to donate. People just give whatever they can afford, whenever they have cash. Sometimes it’s nothing for a couple of weeks and then maybe $10 when they have it in their pocket.”  

“We’re not giving a huge amount but over time it all adds up and we love that with Sunrise the money keeps on giving forever.” 

Rachel Brown, financial services officer, says that the team have donated to different causes for a long time now but really like the idea of giving to Sunrise’s General Endowment Fund rather than just picking a charity at random themselves. 

“By donating to Sunrise, we know that the money stays local and is granted to wherever it is needed most in the community.”  

Both Tina and Rachel also say that in the past they tended to give to the same charities each year, but like knowing that by giving to the General Fund, different local charities and organisations benefit, depending on where the need is greatest. 

Glenda Stokes, Sunrise executive officer says, “The needs in our community will change over time and by growing the General Fund it helps ensure it will be in great shape to respond to those ever-changing needs.”