Anonymous donor gives $5 million to the University of Otago Christchurch Appeal

The University of Otago Christchurch Appeal got off to a flying start with a $5 million donation to its Christchurch Heart Institute fund.

University of Otago Vice Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne will launch the Christchurch Appeal tonight at an Alumni function in the garden city.

The Appeal will raise money for four of the best research and teaching projects at the University of Otago, Christchurch.

The $5 million donation has been pledged to the Christchurch Heart Institute fund, one of these four projects.

The benefactor is a successful New Zealander who does not want to be identified as they want attention to be focused on the ‘excellent research and science conducted by the Christchurch Heart Institute’ rather than on them.

Their donation is one of the largest by an individual to the University of Otago.

University of Otago, Christchurch, Dean Professor Peter Joyce says he is thrilled with the donation.

“Our donor recognises that research, such as the work carried out at the University of Otago, Christchurch, is the only way to make breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of conditions such as heart disease, which affect so many families.

“This person has given the University of Otago, Christchurch, $5 million without wanting any public recognition, which is both generous and exceptional.’’

The $5 million will go towards the Christchurch Heart Institute’s world-leading work in discovering and trialling new tests and treatments for various forms of heart disease, Professor Joyce says.

Over the past 25 years the Christchurch Heart Institute (formerly known as the Christchurch Cardioendocrine Research Group) has made ground-breaking discoveries and exciting new breakthroughs are on the horizon. It has patents on a number of cutting-edge potential tests and treatments.

One example of the Christchurch Heart Institute’s world-leading work is the development of a blood test to diagnose and monitor heart failure. It saves the lives of hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Professor Joyce says researchers from the University of Otago, Christchurch, did well at winning research grants but there was often a shortfall between available funding and what was needed to carry out desired work.

Professor Joyce says staff at the University of Otago, Christchurch, had been teaching medical students from their fourth year onwards, and conducting research, in the city for 40 years.

“People may not be aware that our University has been in Christchurch since 1973. During that time we have been teaching senior medical students and doing world-recognised health research. We now also have hundreds of postgraduate students, with the largest group being postgraduate nursing students,’’ Professor Joyce said.