2020 has been a tough year for everyone in so many different ways but trustees and staff at Otago Community Trust have been amazed by the kindness and generosity shown by so many across our region. Despite the challenges of 2020, let us not forget what we have achieved together and the things we have learnt throughout this difficult year.

While it has been a challenging year we can proudly reflect on the fact 2020 has shown us the true strength and resilience of our incredible community. This year has left all of us at Otago Community Trust feeling even more thankful for our amazing community.

For the Otago Community Trust team it has been a busy year. We started of the year preparing and planning to host the biennual Combined Community Trust conference in Dunedin where all 12 community trusts come together, only for it to be postponed and then cancelled. We reacted quickly to unfolding developments, launching our $2 million dollar quick response Covid-19 Fund to support community organisations and not for profit bodies within our funding area through the Covid-19 crisis.

We are proud to have adapted quickly to the challenges faced, offering flexibility to our grantees, all the while continuing to grant monthly to support community organisations across Otago. From an investment perspective the year to 31 March 2020 was a challenging year, however we are pleased to report that Trust funds have recovered substantially from their low of 31 March 2020. While market fluctuations will continue, we firmly believe that our strong investment governance structures will help to ensure good long-term results ensuring we can continue to support the many not for profit organisations doing such great work in the community.

As we sign off, all trustees and staff wish our community groups a very safe and relaxing holiday season. 

Ngā mihi o te kirihimete me te tau hou. Ko tēnei te wā kia tau ai te mauri, kia whakahari tō whānau whānui hoki. 

E leai se mea sili atu i lo lou aiga.
Manuia Le Kirisimasi!

Barbara Bridger - Chief Executive | Otago Community Trust