A local gift to support older people for generations.

The gift of a bequest from a long-time member and volunteer of Timaru Senior Citizens will have a lasting impact for older people in our region for generations to come. When Margie Ritchie passed away in 2022 at the age of 83, she left a generous gift in her will to Age Concern South Canterbury.  Age Concern recognised an opportunity to start a Community Group Fund within the Aoraki Foundation with Margie’s donation so that it would be protected, stay local and provide for the service and the care of older people in South Canterbury.

A Community Group Fund is a special type of fund provided by the Aoraki Foundation where the charity becomes the sole beneficiary of the future income.  Charities can establish and cultivate their own fund, fostering growth over time through promotion with supporters and the public. Using Margie’s gift to establish the Age Concern South Canterbury Fund, will create an ongoing income stream for Age Concern in perpetuity.

Age Concern South Canterbury Manager, Chris Thomas, says ‘We are so grateful for Margie’s gift and wanted to protect it and ensure it helped the organisation support older people long into the future.  We can also invite our supporters to contribute to the fund and they have confidence it will be well managed and provide enduring impact’. Margie has been described by friends as a larger-than-life character who had a passion for music, colour and all living things.  Margie’s friend, Robyn Baldwin, says ‘She loved music, loved to be entertained, loved to dance and you could hear her above anyone else, that sparkle in her eyes, her feet and hands tapping, she was so delightful’. Margie was also a long-term volunteer and member.

Age Concern South Canterbury is a respected charity, here to prevent loneliness, promote dignity and respect, and to empower older people to flourish. At the heart of the work that Age Concern South Canterbury does is a passion and commitment to older adults. Age Concern South Canterbury provide social support services, information, and advice as well as educational programmes that foster social connections and keep people safe from harm. Age Concern Chairperson, Andrew Rosanowski said “Creating the Age Concern South Canterbury Fund will bring lasting benefits to the community, providing funds so we can continue to support older people in our region for generations to come”.

If you would like to know more or contribute visit the Age Concern South Canterbury Fund page.