As the 2021/22 financial year comes to a close, the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation is reflecting on the past year. "It’s been a challenging year, as it has been for many of those who live in our community", said Barry Geddes, Treasurer. "We have had more requests for support this year from individuals and community organisations than we normally receive. But, at the same time the community has been incredibly generous with their sponsorship of our scholarships and awards programme. The year we have even more scholarships and awards on offer, and nearly all of them are sponsored by individuals or businesses who live in our community."

Over the last few months, the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation has completed a strategic review of the community-based charity and have identified a number of interesting opportunities. "Of course, opportunities bring challenges" said Chair, Jane Paterson, "and one of them is finding some new trustees with both general and specific skill sets. One challenge we face is the need to build our presence on social media, and given the increased demand for support, another challenge is to raise funds for our grants programme. We also have a couple of trustees that have signalled that it is time for them to retire after many years of service so we will be looking for a treasurer in the near future too."

Whilst the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation is sorry to lose these long serving trustees, they will retain their close links with the Foundation through Friends of the Foundation. "We want to recognise the contribution of not only past trustees but also our sponsors and donors," said Julie Cunningham. Julie has been a trustee since the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation was established some 25 years ago, and is taking on the responsibility for establishing Friends of the Foundation. "I did wonder if it was time to retire" laughed Julie, "but as long as I can contribute, I want to stay involved as we are going through an exciting growth phase, and we are making a positive difference to people’s lives. However, it will be good to have some new enthusiastic community minded people join us".

Pictured above: Some of the 2021/22 recipients of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation’s grants, scholarships and awards

If you have any questions, please contact us at info@sumnerferrymeadfoundation.co.nz or ring

Jane Paterson, Chair - 022 657 3207
Daniel O’Carroll, Secretary - 021 288 1871
Martin Hawes, Trustee - 021 222 2737