Auckland Deaf Society launches bequest programme

Media Release

September 29, 2014

Auckland Deaf Society launches bequest programme

Two fifths of charitable incomes come from personal donations and bequests[1]

According to the Department of Internal Affairs’ Charities Services there are 27,422 registered charities in New Zealand which generate a combined income of $15.7 million a year[2].

However, a large chunk of their survival depends on individuals not Government or corporate sponsorship as you might think it would.

In 2011 personal donations and bequests were the largest source of philanthropy in New Zealand.[3] The reality is that without the generosity of ordinary people many of the charities we rely on would not be here today.

Auckland Deaf Society is one such charity that does not receive any government funding and is dependent on fundraising, grants and the generosity of individuals to help provide funds to continue to be the home of the Deaf and NZSL (New Zealand Sign Language) community.

Kevin Pivac is a former president of Auckland Deaf Society, is Deaf, and has two Deaf daughters and says he is leaving a bequest to the Auckland Deaf Society Foundation Trust because of the immense support and meaningful friendships he has made as a member over the years.

“The Auckland Deaf Society has provided my family and myself with many memorable social occasions over the years, but most importantly a place that was Deaf-friendly and where we felt welcome and supported,” says Mr Pivac.

“But we need more members of, not just the Auckland Deaf community, but the public in general to consider leaving funds to the Auckland Deaf Society.”

“This will ensure Deaf people, their families, and those who are learning sign language have a place to go and learn and feel at home.” he says.

Auckland Deaf Society fundraising officer, Taryn Banks says this is why the organisation has launched a bequest programme, which coincides with the start of Include A Charity Week – a national awareness week dedicated to encouraging ordinary New Zealanders to include a gift to a charity in their wills

“Auckland Deaf Society has enjoyed over 75 years as a cultural hub and much of the Society’s funding has come from personal donations and bequests as well as savvy property investments. The current generation has much to thank their predecessors for.”

“However, we need to look forward to the future and ensure we can continue to provide a social and community hub for Deaf people in Auckland, and a bequest programme can contribute to that,” she says.

“So we are getting on board the Include a Charity Week campaign this week and appealing to Kiwis to consider leaving a bequest to the Auckland Deaf Society Incorporated to ensure there will always be a place for Deaf Aucklanders to connect as a community.”

ENDS

To find out more or to make a bequest to the Auckland Deaf Society Foundation Trust contact Taryn Banks, fundraising officer, Auckland Deaf Society on 09 630 6980 or 021 366 072 or visitwww.auckland-deaf.org.nz

About Auckland Deaf Society

The Auckland Deaf Society is the heart of the Auckland New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) community. It provides a range of sports, social and recreational activities for our NZSL community, particularly the Deaf community to help enrich their lives. The society welcomes participation from all sectors of the community and holds regular NZSL classes, Deaf awareness workshops and networking events to engage with others.

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[1] http://www.giving.org.nz/sites/all/files/2011%20PhilanthropyReport_final%20HRes.pdf

[2] https://www.charities.govt.nz/

[3] http://www.giving.org.nz/sites/all/files/2011%20PhilanthropyReport_final%20HRes.pdf

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