Media Release
January 2010

Guardian Trust Distributes More Than $200,000 to Southland Health and Community Causes

A trust founded by a South Island widower nearly 25 years ago is demonstrating how important quality wealth management is to long-term sustainable philanthropic giving. For the second time in two years, the William and Gwenda Cybil Dick Trust, managed by Guardian Trust, is making a donation of more than $200,000 to charitable causes in Southland.

The dual purpose of the trust was to fund research into heart conditions and to support children in the Southland area, in perpetuity. Over the past two decades, generous regular grants have been made to the Southland Medical Foundation, Presbyterian Support and the Salvation Army, and this year, the foundation will receive $110,000; Presbyterian Support $55,000; and the Salvation Army $55,000.

The three organizations received a similar sum in late 2007 and 2008, making the Dick Trust’s total donation to the group more than $600,000 in just the past two years, and over $1.25 million since 2003.

Guardian Trust Client Manager Gary Anderson said the distribution highlighted how enduring giving is possible when facilitated with a charitable trust.

“The objective of managing the trust is to grow the funds year-on-year to permit regular distributions in support of the chosen causes. This case demonstrates what a well-managed trust can achieve over many years.”

William Dick was moved to establish the trust in October 1985 by his wife, who passed away from a cardiac condition.

The Southland Medical Foundation, which was set up 43 years ago to support medical education and research among health sector workers, has used previous Dick Trust grants to sponsor research into cardiac disease at the University of Otago, send nurses and other medical personnel to conferences and courses, and purchase cardiac monitoring equipment for Gore Hospital.

Peter Muller, the foundation’s Secretary/Treasurer, said this year, $71,000 would be given to Dunedin Hospital for cardio-pulmonary exercise equipment, while $62,000 would go to the University of Otago for the salary of Dr John Chu of the medical school, for a research fellowship.

“We are most grateful to continue to receive these funds, and are using them in the best way possible.”

“The ongoing income that Family Works Southland receives from the Dick Trust is proving vital in maintaining services for families in our community,” said Presbyterian Support Southland Marketing Manager Noel Hassed.

“Without the foresight shown by Mr Dick, many of the children whose families access the range of essential services we deliver through Family Works would be much worse off. Through the prudent management of Guardian Trust we are seeing income levels maintained during a time of increased financial pressures and demands.

“The Dick Trust money is used to ensure those in foster care can maintain contact with their families and be involved in school, cultural and sporting activities. The money can also allow extended family and whanau the ability to support their children.”

Major Clive Nicolson of the Salvation Army’s Southern Division said, “This year The Salvation Army has continued to support the youth of Southland by providing support workers for at-risk youth. As part of this work, many youth have been able to experience and learn from camping activities, educational and counselling sessions, and also have one-on-one mentoring.

“Without the assistance of the Dick Trust these services to the youth of Southland would not be possible, and so we are most grateful for the assistance given.”
The funds from the Dick Trust are used exclusively within the Southern Division of The Salvation Army for Children and Youth work in Southland.

ENDS

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