Otago Community Trust was privileged to receive the Priory Vote of Thanks (PVOT) at a special certificate ceremony held in St John Dunedin last week. PVOT is one of the organisation’s highest honours awarded to trusts, foundations, institutions, businesses, or individuals for their long-standing relationship and exceptional support to the work of Hato Hone St John.

Otago Community Trust, Aotearoa Gaming Trust (formerly The Southern Trust), and Perpetual Medical Services Trust (managed by Perpetual Guardian ) were all presented the special award - authorised by Hato Hone St John Prior, Her Excellency the Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy GNZM QSO DStJ, and recommended for the PVOT certificate by the St John Priory Chapter - at a special ceremony in Dunedin.

Our Grants Manager, Sue Stewart was delighted to attend the ceremony and receive the certificate on behalf of Otago Community Trust.

There were 26 Priory Votes of Thanks awarded recently, nationally in New Zealand and 11 of the recipients were from the South Island. Priory Votes of Thanks are illuminated certificates signed by our Prior (the Governor-General) and by the Chancellor and sealed with the Priory Seal. 

Debbie Zwies, Hato Hone St John Fundraising and Marketing Manager says because of the support of our invaluable funders we can make life-changing differences in our communities. 

“Working together, we think we can make life better for New Zealanders by helping to improve their welfare and wellbeing." 

"Thank you to you and the Otago Community Trust team for your support and partnership, without people and organisations like you, we simply can’t do what we do, your support is invaluable." 

Otago Community Trust has supported many projects over the years to support the invaluable work of St John, in recent times this has included a $475,000 grant to support the new Cromwell Ambulance Hub and a $50,000 grant to help with a First Response Unit for St John Wanaka.