Glenda's Words...

The old saying ‘it doesn’t rain it pours’ certainly seemed to be the case for the start of 2022 with Omicron sweeping through New Zealand, the flooding that was experienced by many in our region, particularly up the Coast, and let’s not forget the horror that Ukraine has been dealt. Our thoughts go out to all those affected in these unsettling times. 

Now, more than ever, we recognise the importance of our General Fund that we use to grant to local charities and organisations. The flexibility of the General Fund means we can adapt within these changing times to ensure grants from our annual funding round are helping the most needy at any given time. 

Our annual funding round opens June 1st and any organisation with a charitable purpose in Gisborne-Tairāwhiti can apply for a grant from our General Fund. You can find all the information on our website by clicking Grants. Every year we look forward to receiving the applications and being able to support a variety of different local causes.  

Being able to provide grants to our community is what we get excited about – it's why we exist. The generosity of our community never ceases to amaze me, and here at Sunrise, we appreciate you share our vision of building a stronger Tairāwhiti forever. 

I’m sure there will tough decisions to ahead for David Clark (Chair), Rob Dymock, Lilian Tangaere-Baldwin, Richard Briant, Leslynne Jackson and Stephen Thomson who comprise our Grants Committee. We appreciate the amazing job they do as volunteers, and the time spent considering each application. 

On a final note, if you’d like to talk about the possibility of becoming a donor, please don’t hesitate to contact me as I’m always happy to meet for a coffee and chat. At Sunrise we have a variety of ways you can donate – find out more here. You choose which way works for you, and the cause closest to your heart you’d like to support.  

Take care and stay warm, 

 Glenda Stokes 
EXECUTIVE OFFICER