Christmas Giving

Veterinarian surgeon Joe Mayhew thinks he’s found the perfect solution to the dilemma of what to give for Christmas in the form of The Sunrise Foundation Christmas Gift Card.

For four years now he has been giving the certificates to his wider whanau - it’s his way of giving back to the local community on behalf of his family.

“Rather than giving gifts no one really needs, The Sunrise Foundation Christmas Gift Card is something that people can feel good about receiving – knowing we have given money on
their behalf to charities that need it,” he says.

Joe and his wife Rachel moved to Gisborne around eight years ago after a busy career spent working and living around the world.

They have lived and worked in Australia, Canada, USA and Britain where Joe taught at Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities. He is currently an emeritus Professor of Massey University and works as a veterinary consultant.

He runs clinics around the country as well as editing a NZ veterinary journal, the Equine Veterinary Practitioner, and is writing a new edition of a veterinary text book. Rachel is from Tokomaru Bay which is why the couple chose to settle back in Gisborne.

“We were looking for a way to give back to society and I really believe charity begins at home,” Joe says.

“It’s important to look after your own patch first and I could see that The Sunrise Foundation was ideal for doing that.

“The Sunrise folk know where the needs are, so by giving to the general fund, we know the proceeds will go to those with the greatest need.

“Even the grandchildren are starting to understand that a Sunrise Foundation Christmas Gift Card is a more noble gift than say another piece of Lego".

Joe likes the fact the money will be invested and grow, with the interest being used to give grants to charities within Gisborne.

This way of Christmas giving has become a tradition in the Mayhew household and Joe knows with certainty it really is the gift that keeps on giving.