The Miller General Impact Fund was seeded by a gift from an amazing couple who wanted to see their community thrive
About the Millers
Eric and Queenie Miller were not flashy people. This Timaru couple lived a modest life, and what they didn’t spend they saved for their community.
Eric and Queenie lived a very modest life and had no children thus, many of their staff became their family. All are in agreeance, that the Millers were amazing people.
Eric was tough, but fair. Willing to give you chance to prove yourself and grow as an individual. Queenie is remembered as a quiet force, kind and generous and both are remembered as having strong faith and tenacity.
The Aoraki Foundation Trustees are honoured to be custodians of the Millers gift to South Canterbury.
When Eric and Queenie Miller were born in England no one could have imagined the ongoing legacy that these two people would leave a world away from their birthplace to the community of South Canterbury some 85 years later. Before their deaths, good friend Alan Hubbard, who recognising that they had no family to inherit, encouraged them to give back to South Canterbury. The Millers did just that, leaving the majority of their estate to the community.
Aoraki Foundation trustee, Jo Goodhew with the Millers headstone in Timaru cemetery. The headstone was restored in honour of the Millers and paid for by Aoraki Foundation trustees and staff.
This gift was passed to the Aoraki Foundation to protect in 2013. It was to be invested as an endowment fund with the income generated each year being distributed for the benefit of the community. As of 2023 over $350,000 has been given back to the South Canterbury community from the Miller Fund. Under the careful stewardship of the Aoraki Foundation, the capital has also grown, and the legacy of Queenie and Eric Miller will continue for generations to come.
The Miller General Impact Fund supports families and social services, the environment, enterprise, and employment, promoting generosity and giving, strengthening the community sector, and special projects within the Aoraki, South Canterbury region. Our Trustees receive and review applications to the Miller General Impact Fund and make decisions on how these funds can make the biggest impact.
How do I help grow this fund?
The people of South Canterbury were given an incredible gift from the Millers with their bequest to start the Miller General Impact Fund. Now days anyone can donate and/or leave bequests in their will which will continue to grow and support charitable purposes here in South Canterbury for many years to come.
You can make an immediate one off or regular monthly donation below. All donations are eligible for a 33% tax credit.
If you would prefer to make a bank transfer or leave a bequest in your will, please contact us now.
In the news
Stories / Resources
Donor Story
Eric & Queenie Miller
Recipient Story
Christmas Angels
Recipient Story
Rainbow 101 Workshops
Millers Storyboards
PDF
Can I get a grant?
The Miller General Impact Fund distributes to worthy charitable purposes across South Canterbury through a contestable grant round. Funding rounds are opened annually in August/September. For further information on our funding rounds head to our grants page.