Southland Foundation was launched in May, a vehicle for collective philanthropy dedicated to fostering
a spirit of giving within our community, aiming to create a positive ripple effect that enriches the lives of
all generations to come.
The official event in Gore this evening is one of 3 official events and signifies Southland Foundation's
commitment to engaging all communities across the Southland region.
"We are delighted to introduce Southland Foundation in Gore," said Kathryn Ball, Chair of Southland
Foundation. "We are providing a vehicle that harnesses the power of local giving for local needs.
Southland Foundation firmly believes in nurturing and supporting those in our own backyard – bolstering
grassroots charities that strengthen the extraordinary place we proudly call home.”
Southland Foundation is a local and independent community foundation dedicated to fostering
philanthropy and driving positive change within the region. With the establishment of Southland
Foundation, the community joins a well-established network of 18 community foundations across New
Zealand and has been a growing global movement for over a hundred years.
Community foundations have emerged as the fastest growing form of philanthropy, embodying the
ethos of collective giving to address local challenges and amplify community impact. Southland
Foundation will serve as a vehicle for Southlanders to give back to their community, empowering them
to support charities and causes they are passionate about while ensuring a legacy of support for
Southland's future generations.
Arron Perriam, Community Foundations Aotearoa New Zealand (CFANZ), spoke passionately about
the power of perpetual giving and the crucial role that community foundations can play in capturing this
generosity to build a lasting resource for the region forever. Donors across our national network share
a deep passion for their local community and committed to making a difference. They place their trust
in their local community foundation to invest their gifts thoughtfully, knowing that the resulting
investment returns will support their favourite charities or causes in perpetuity. His inspiring words
resonated with attendees, highlighting the transformative potential of harnessing the collective
generosity of our community.
"We believe that every contribution, no matter how large or small, has the power to make a real
difference in Southland," remarked Sarah Hannan, Chief Executive of Southland Foundation.
"Together, we can build a legacy of generosity that enriches the lives of present and future Southland
generations."
Southland Foundation’s Gore based Trustee Sarah Collie, expressed her heartfelt belief in the
Foundation and its potential for making real impact. “There is such a strong sense of community support
here in Gore, and I can see what an incredibly positive opportunity this is for our communities. People
can direct their generosity to the local causes that have real significance to them, providing meaningful
and enduring impact for donors as well as recipients.”
The Southland Foundation greatly appreciates the invaluable operational support and contribution of
its founding partner SBS Bank; along with strategic partners ILT, Community Trust South, Distinction
Hotel, Murihiku Rūnaka and Rio Tinto/NZAS Community Development Fund, and Great South.
Furthermore, the Foundation acknowledges its professional partners, including Craigs Investment
Partners, Naked Creative, McIntyre Dick & Partners, Cruickshank Pryde, and the Southland Chamber
of Commerce, for their generous in-kind support. Our partners coming together demonstrates the power
of collaboration for collective impact.
