As we near the end of 2024, we're heartened by the tangible impact our community's generosity continues to have across the Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. While this has been a year of change, it has also been one of meaningful progress in addressing crucial community needs.
We are particularly delighted to share news of the Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund, established by a remarkable local philanthropist who recognised a critical gap in our healthcare system. This endowment fund will provide ongoing support for patients with lymphoedema, assist with treatment access, and fund much-needed research into a condition that affects many in our community. We are privileged to host this fund and expect distributions to start in 2025.
Our Women Entrepreneurs Fund has also demonstrated the power of targeted giving, distributing $47,500 to ten remarkable wāhine in its latest round. We want to particularly acknowledge Joy Shivas, whose vision in establishing this fund continues to transform our local entrepreneurial landscape. Vicki Ledergerber’s support of the fund was also crucial to this success. We’re looking forward to announcing the Fund recipients in the new year.
These initiatives exemplify what's possible when generous and visionary people connect with ambitious projects. Our refreshed website has launched, and we would encourage you to let us know what you think. There are still a few kinks to iron out (as there always are in projects like these!), and we don't want to forget our past so will ensure historical stories and impact reports will be uploaded. This development marks another step in our journey to better serve our community. Your feedback is welcome.
As 2024 draws to a close, we would like to acknowledge the resilience and generosity of our community through a year of significant change. To our donor whānau – you are the reason we are here. We wish to acknowledge the Trustees for their considerable contributions throughout the year – you are all volunteering your time to make the Christchurch region a better place and have willingly taken on significant responsibilities well beyond the norm. And to the dedicated Foundation team who have work tirelessly to keep the Foundation at the heart of the Canterbury philanthropy sector – thank you!
The Christchurch Foundation is the Community Foundation for Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts. When you give to a fund with The Christchurch Foundation, your gift, no matter the size can be invested and grown into an ongoing source of funding.
We need your support to make this happen. The Christchurch Foundation is a registered charity and relies on the generosity of people and organisations to build for a more sustainable future. If you share our vision, you can donate through our website today or contact either of us to discuss your wishes.
Lynne’s door is always open to anyone who'd like to learn more about what we're doing at the Foundation and how they can get involved. Our office will be closed from 20 December to 6 January for a summer break. We look forward to returning in 2025 energised and ready to support more ambitious projects that make this region an even better place to live.
Ngā mihi o te wā me te Tau Hou,
Lynne Umbers Anake Goodall
Interim General Manager Chair
Supporting Those Who Need It Most: The Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund
The establishment of The Koed Lymphoedema Treatment and Research Support Fund marks a significant step forward in supporting Canterbury women's health. Born from personal experience and developed in collaboration with trusted advisor Mary Thomson, Karen Koed’s endowment fund addresses a crucial gap in accessible treatment options. This practical solution to a real community need will provide ongoing support for generations to come.
Craigs Investment Partners Spread Some Christmas Cheer
Demonstrating the power of collective giving, Craigs Investment Partners' Christchurch team has made a meaningful impact this holiday season through their workplace giving programme. Their initiative, which replaces traditional client gifts with community support, has distributed donations to four local organisations through The Christchurch Foundation: One Mother to Another, Tamai Sports, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and Christchurch Aunties. This practical approach to corporate giving exemplifies how businesses can make a real difference in their local communities.
Youth Hub Opens Its Doors: A National First
The opening of Youth Hub Christchurch marks a groundbreaking milestone as New Zealand's first purpose-built Youth Hub complete with supported housing. The Christchurch Foundation supported the Youth Hub with donation infrastructure and administrative support, so their team could focus on the mahi of getting this building off the ground – a huge congratulations to the Youth Hub for this incredible facility for the rangatahi of the Ōtautahi region. You can learn more and donate to the Youth Hub here.
Governance Evolution
We're farewelling two valued Trustees from the Christchurch Foundation: Paul Deavoll (left), who has served since the Foundation's establishment and concluded his term in November 2024, bringing strategic guidance and deep understanding of Canterbury's business community; and Michael Prentice (right), who will complete his term in December 2024 due to health reasons, after serving as Chair of the Audit, Risk and Investment Committee and closely guiding our communications and brand strategy.
These changes reflect the Foundation's commitment to governance development and rotation policy. Paul and Michael's significant contributions have helped build robust foundations for our future growth, and we wish to thank them for their voluntary service as Trustees of The Christchurch Foundation.
Once again, thank you all for your support. You can see in the stories above the inspiring examples of collective impact that remind us why this mahi matters, and we are optimistic about what we can achieve together in the year ahead, with your support.
We wish you and your whānau a safe and fun-filled holiday season.
The Christchurch Foundation team