Southland farmer leaves a legacy of gifting to charity groups
When a South Island farmer with a big heart passed away in 1980, he left a plan of continued giving in place for the Southland community.
The W Duncan Bickley Trust, managed by Guardian Trust, has distributed close to $1,200,000 to Southland community organisations over the last 19 years.
The conditions of the trust set out by Mr Bickley are straightforward, focusing on organisations based in the provincial district of Southland whose primary aim is care for infants, the aged or those with disabilities.
Guardian Trust Dunedin client manager Kevin Booth says Southland has benefited enormously from this generous legacy of giving.
“Over the years, hundreds of groups have been assisted by the generosity of Mr Bickley, whether it is scout groups, kindergartens or hospices. Southland as a whole has seen a great deal of funds injected into local community groups through this trust,” he says.
This year, $95,597 will be distributed by the W Duncan Bickley Trust, with hospice groups, medical centres, toy libraries and preschools among the 27 different charity recipients.
Koru Care Southland will receive the largest contribution this year, with $33,000 directly benefiting the services they provide in the community. Hospice Southland will receive the next largest contribution, totalling $7,959.
The W Duncan Bickley Trust had an ongoing relationship with Koru Care Southland, pledging to give $100,000 of funds to the group over a three year period. Last year was the final year; however, due to the positivity of the programme, the relationship has continued with further funding this year.
Koru Care Southland works with children suffering from terminal illnesses or mental disabilities, taking them overseas to either the Gold Coast or America for a trip filled with theme park fun. As the group works entirely with volunteers, every cent donated goes directly to the children within the programme.
Guardian Trust’s general manager of personal client services Philip Morgan Rees says trusts such as the W Duncan Bickley Trust demonstrate an amazing act of giving by every day New Zealanders.
“Charitable Trusts provide an amazing contribution to society that lives on once the benefactor has passed. The personal management of these trusts provides a lot of satisfaction to Guardian Trust, as we distribute these generous bequests throughout New Zealand communities,” says Mr Morgan Rees.
Guardian Trust takes an active role in the management of the W Duncan Bickley Trust, as trustee and administering funds to potential beneficiaries. Under Guardian Trust’s management, the goal is to grow the funds year on year to provide ongoing gifting from the Trust.