SUMMER 2020 | ISSUE 18

Give the gift of goodness this Christmas! Considering community support this Christmas? For many of us, Christmas means summer, direct donation into the Acorn Vital family, BBQ’s and pudding. But for others, it Impact Fund which provides funding Acorn farewells Andy Cameron can be a lonely, expensive and stressful time each year to those organisations of year. At Acorn, we really want to drive the providing support to those most in need. and Dean Camplin spirit of Christmas giving to help those for In 2020, this list included Grief Support Two long-time volunteers retire in funds under management of $36.4M and whom this time of year brings little joy. Services, St Peter’s House, KidsCan November after eight dedicated years of distributed $1.85M - more than a five- Charitable Trust and Sustainability Many people struggle to find the perfect gift service to the Acorn Foundation. Andy fold increase of both measures. Andy Options. each year - particularly for those friends and Cameron has served as a Trustee and a and Dean have been integral to Acorn’s family members who may want for very little. • For businesses, have you thought of member of the Distributions Committee, success, and we will always appreciate What if the solution was to make a donation replacing client gifts with a donation to a where he acted as Chair from 2014 to their time and wise counsel to help the to a favourite charity on their behalf? We charitable organisation? An 2018. Dean Camplin has served on the foundation develop. All the best to them can’t stress enough the good feelings that announcement of your gift would make Investment Advisory Committee since both! come with giving, and what a great time of a great addition to your corporate 2012. When Andy and Dean joined year to show generosity. Christmas cards. Or perhaps you simply Acorn, there was $6.7M There are many ways Acorn can help with want to make a Christmas donation on in invested funds, and your giving plans: behalf of your company and your staff to the foundation create a sense of pride, community • For individuals or families, you might distributed awareness and compassion as we head choose to make a pass-through donation $373,000 to the into the summer months. on behalf of a friend or relative to a community. At the charity they are passionate about. A Whatever your choice may be, Acorn close of the financial donation to one of the 47 community supports it, and our team is more than happy year in June 2020, group funds listed on our website will to help you get your donation to those who Acorn had help it build towards a guaranteed future will truly appreciate it over the Christmas income. You can also choose to make a period.

Therapy dogs are busy supporting their best friends Therapy Dogs New Zealand (TDNZ) started They are cute, funny and easy to train and The dog becomes a friend who seems to a journey in July 2018 to enable Kiwis to live take out socially. They have a soft understand, doesn’t judge and will offer their best lives by offering any child, adult or expression and are gentle; Labradoodles ongoing friendship and companionship, family access to a partially trained therapy only weigh 16-20kgs for the medium size even when the child is not coping, dog at a cost that is more financially and 25kgs for a standard size. The other misbehaves, hides under the bed or is accessible than other options. TDNZ most important factor for choosing this upset. When this happens, the puppy will purchases the puppies and trains them breed is their hypo-allergenic wool coat. run towards him or her to interrupt the until they are seven months of age. They Anyone normally allergic to dog hair is 99% behaviour. then provide clients with the training, likely to not be allergic to a Labradoodle Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, fundraising assistance and support to finish due to their non-shedding wool coat. It was TDNZ has seen an increase of applications the training of their therapy dog via follow- important to TDNZ that no one is precluded for therapy dogs from all over NZ and now up phone calls, monthly visits, then annual from applying for a therapy dog, even those has 29 people on its waiting list. There are check-ups once the dog matures. clients with allergies. so many people suffering with severe Therapy dogs support those suffering from With mainstream schooling, children with anxiety and, in most cases, this leads to disabilities, autism, asperger’s, oppositional autism and anxiety symptoms need to fit in panic attacks, depression and a reluctance defiance disorder (ODD) in children, ADHD, to a world that differs from their perception. to leave the home. A child with anxiety will global developmental delay, dyslexia, But living in a modern, noisy and fast paced need to sit or lie down wherever he or she pair have developed a very close bond and kobuki syndrome, chronic regional pain world, these children become increasingly is, and our puppies will, on command, lay relationship with each other. TDNZ syndrome (CRIPS), post-traumatic stress overwhelmed as they try to cope day-to- across the legs or chest of a child or adult or currently has 19 therapy dogs that are in disorder, cerebral palsy, depression, border day. This situation leads to explosive jump up and put their paws on the client, forever homes with clients nationwide, and line personality disorder, suicidal ideation, meltdowns, frustration, anger and the applying pressure through their own body they have seven more puppies in training. terminal cancer/illness and, the most inability to regulate their emotions until weight. The client will hold the dog close Therapy Dogs New Zealand aims to common condition having a profound they arrive home to a safe place to let go. A until the shaking subsides. TDNZ’s puppies, increase the number of puppies it can train effect on all disorders listed above, is therapy dog, just by being close, snuggly at just 9 months of age, can warn a client of to meet the demand, without losing the anxiety. and able to go anywhere with a family, an impending panic attack on their own quality of its service. TDNZ uses only Labradoodle puppies as provides comfort, deep companionship, without any formal training. The dogs do In 2020, funding for Therapy Dogs came they are a family friendly breed that is and most of all, a reduction in anxiety this by sensing a change (or a mannerism) from the B. Burns & A. Johston Fund. intelligent, sensitive and highly affectionate symptoms to prevent the child from getting in their owner using their natural intuition. with a love of people, especially children. overwhelmed and then having a meltdown. This alert occurs quite naturally once the

Connecting generous people who care, with causes that matter - Forever Page 1 Professional Advisors’ Breakfast Professional advisors are incredibly Bill Holland, Holland Beckett: Michelle Malcolm, Findex Tauranga: important to our team as many Acorn donors Bill discussed the benefits of transferring Michelle shared her knowledge around some who have left gifts in their Will are introduced charitable trusts to the Acorn Foundation. of the hidden fishhooks in trusts when to the foundation by local solicitors, These benefits include Acorn’s in-depth beneficiaries or trustees are located overseas accountants or financial advisors who take knowledge of the needs of the community (example: beneficiaries who reside in the time to understand their clients’ giving and the organisations who support our Australia and receive property via a trust will goals. region, the elimination of onerous reporting be required to pay Australian capital gains planning a financial investment portfolio. In mid-October, we were delighted to be requirements - particularly with new Trust tax). We really appreciate our speakers for taking joined by over 30 local professional advisors laws in 2021 - and the potential for greater Guy Malthus, Craigs Investment Partners: the time to share their knowledge with other for a breakfast session hosted by Findex investment returns when combining a trust’s An Acorn donor himself - and Acorn's professional advisors and thank Findex Tauranga. A big thank you to those who assets with Acorn’s investment portfolio investment portfolio manager for the past 17 Tauranga for hosting our event in their attended, and particularly to our guest managed by Craigs Investment Partners. years - Guy shared some tips around wonderful new office on Grey Street! speakers: discussing giving goals with clients when

Community Group Funds are a great Businesses way to support your favourite cause are making a Community groups across our region are managed by passionate people who believe community impact strongly in the cause they support. However, funding is almost always a challenge, as Companies all across the region are seeking these groups have little guaranteed income to count on each year. Raising money to fund out ways to contribute to the community. their operations is often time-consuming and a big distraction from their main purpose, Acorn is well supported by many businesses, which is to support the community. An Acorn Community Group Fund can provide large and small. Craigs Investment Partners guaranteed long-term income, which is incredibly valuable. Anyone can donate to these and KPMG have initiated Workplace Giving funds at any time – details are on the Acorn website. Current groups include: programmes, as has the Executive team at Creative Community the BOP Regional Council. Cooney Lees Realtor Jim • Creative Bay of Plenty • Acorn COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund Morgan has long contributed to their Acorn • Tauranga Art Gallery Foundation • Acorn Vital Impact Fund fund with partners and staff both involved. Peterson’s • Tauranga Arts Festival Trust • Age Concern Tauranga Firms like Burley Castle Hawkins Lawyers creative way to • Tauranga Performing Arts Competitions • Get Smart Tauranga Trust donate their TECT rebates to the Acorn Vital Society Inc • Good Neighbour Aotearoa Trust Impact Fund, and Findex Tauranga has give • Graeme Dingle Foundation WBOP selected the Acorn Vital Impact Fund for its Education Professionals realtor Jim Peterson has • Homes of Hope Charitable Trust November donation. Althorp Village Ltd has • Tauranga Boys’ College Old Boys Assn. long had a heart for the local region. • Kidz Need Dadz BOP set up a permanent Acorn fund to continue • New Zealand Garden and Art Fest Trust Although he has volunteered his time • Live For More Charitable Trust their track record of community support. • House of Science Tauranga and donated to community causes for • Merivale Community Centre Have questions about how you can get Tauranga Girls’ College Trust years, in 2018, he stepped up his efforts. • Momenta involved? Reach out to our team to talk about He, with company support, contributed Health • Multicultural Tauranga ways that Acorn can help your business 20% of the full commission of houses • Alzheimer’s Society • Tauranga Moana Nightshelter Trust better connect to our community. he sold that were referrals from charity BOP Multiple Sclerosis Society • Tauranga Women’s Refuge connections. Jim has recently • Complex Chronic Illness Support • YMCA Tauranga • Diabetes NZ Tauranga Branch partnered with the Acorn Foundation to • Motor Neurone Disease Assn of NZ Inc Animal create an endowment fund that will • ARRC Wildlife Trust • Tauranga Branch of Zipper Club receive the proceeds of his commission • Waipuna Hospice Inc Place donations, and it will start distributing • Katikati Acorn Fund to his chosen charities once it reaches Heritage $50,000. He can be reached at jim@ • Museum Fund for Tauranga & Environment nrgrealty.co.nz with any questions. Western Bay • Bay Conservation Incorporated Thanks so much to Jim for coming up • Charitable Trust • Otanewainuku Kiwi Trust with such a creative way to support our • The Elms Foundation Water Safety community! • BOP Classic Aircraft Trust • Mt. Maunganui Lifeguard Service Sport • Papamoa Surf Life Saving Club • BOP Rugby Union • Tauranga Volunteer Coastguard Assn BOP Sailing Academy Trust Netball Waikato BOP Horticulture • Otumoetai Golf Club Project • Tauranga Golf Club Inc • Tauranga Rowing Club Three enthusiastic Acorn donor couples have • Tauranga City Basketball Association been incredibly generous with their time to front our efforts to spread the word about Acorn to other locals who are involved in horticulture. Their stories have been featured Noel Leeming Deals in the October/November issue of Kiwifruit for Acorn Friends & Journal, which reaches about 14,000 homes. Merv and Lyn Stockley of Katikati and two your life or you can start a fund and observe Family anonymous couples from Te Puke shared the good that contributes to our local community while you are still here to see it Our team was thrilled to be chosen by Noel 'Acorn Foundation Friends & Family Deal' in their reasons for becoming Acorn donors happen. If you are still earning from your job or Leeming for their Friends & Family event for store to get special deals in all Noel Leeming with well-known horticulture journalist, profession you could set up a fund and two weeks, from 2 to 15 November. stores across the Bay of Plenty, including Mt. Elaine Fisher. Elaine wrote this about the Stockley’s, “Merv is surprised that only a few contribute what you can afford to on a regular 2.5% of total sales will be directed towards Maunganui, Tauranga, Tauriko, Whakatane, orchardists are among Acorn’s benefactors, basis.” the Vital Impact Fund, which supports Rotorua and Matamata. and he would like others to consider including We are so appreciative that these families organisations working in the areas of greatest People can shop for Christmas and support it in their Will or making living bequests.” She were willing to share their stories to help need in the WBOP. Acorn’s efforts in the community all at the quoted Merv, who said, “You can set up a fund others in their communities understand the same time! Acorn supporters can simply mention the to support the things you care about beyond benefits of giving forever through Acorn.

Page 2 VITAL UPDATES Scholarships and Awards Jann Medlicott Creative Arts 2020 BOP Medical Students Each of the following recipients and their “My late husband Lynn Coker had a Scholarship Scholarship respective workplaces will receive funding to successful career dedicating himself to the study of, and education in, optometry. The Acorn Foundation and We are delighted to assist with educational expenses and I offer this scholarship in his memory to Creative Bay of Plenty announce that Amanpreet equipment for 2020 and 2021 from the Bob support talent in classical art and in the were delighted to award Singh has been selected as and Pat Page Fund: pursuit of the same excellence that he this year’s Jann Medlicott the 2020 winner of the BOP • Kullen Burgess, Whakamarama— strove for.” Creative Arts Award to Sarah Medical Students Scholarship. Impact Engineering Jenny Coker Mileham, who is a current Bethlehem From Aman: • James Deelstra, Gate Pa—Robert Page College Year 13 student. An extra bonus for "Kia ora my name is Aman Singh. I am Engineering Ltd Thank you Jenny, for your commitment to Sarah this year was an increase of the award a fourth-year medical student at the • Braden Strong, Katikati—Page Macrae Acorn and to the arts, and a big thank you from $2,000 to $5,000 which will go a long University of Auckland, currently placed Engineering also to Creative BOP for the time and effort way in assisting her with her future studies! at Tauranga Hospital for the year. I spent in receiving and reviewing • Joseph Terry, Papamoa Beach—Page We are incredibly grateful to our wonderful have an educational background in applications. Macrae Engineering donor, Jann, for her generosity to the arts. Public Health, completing a Bachelor’s From Sarah: of Health Science and Postgraduate • David Turnbull-Broadfoot, Oropi— Contract Mechanical Services Ltd “…I have been blessed to receive the Diploma. I grew up in the Eastern Bay New Award: Gary Ware Legacy Jann Medlicott Creative Arts Scholarship of Plenty, living on the outskirts of Acorn's General Manager Lori Luke says, Award for Human Rights Whakatane where I attended Trident for 2020. I am a passionate young “This scholarship programme is in its High School. I have loved coming back Gary Ware (1938-2018) was singer who loves getting involved in 12th year and has now provided financial to the Bay of Plenty this year, being a passionate human rights the Bay of Plenty’s cultural community. support to 52 talented young men and able to spend time with my family advocate who made a At Bethlehem College, I have had women who are pursuing a career in and community. Hospital placement the privilege of playing in the school Engineering. Bob and Pat Page would significant and valued in Tauranga has been enjoyable and orchestras, concert band, percussion be absolutely thrilled that their dream contribution to Amnesty rewarding, with there being a warm and groups, dancing in our Stage art team, of assisting local apprentices to achieve International Aotearoa New friendly environment which promotes leading in productions, achieving in their goals has come this far. We are so Zealand Inc. As part of his legacy, his wife learning and development. I would like to SmokefreeRockquest and singing in Jazz pleased that the Acorn Foundation has Marlene and the rest of his family have say a huge thank you to the Bay of Plenty Band and Strings Group. I have also spent been selected to manage this worthy established an annual award to fund a Clinical School and the Acorn Foundation 2020 as the Deputy Head Girl which has programme into perpetuity.” youth-led initiative that has a demonstrable for awarding me this financial grant." provided wonderful leadership growth Congratulations to each of these five human rights impact in New Zealand or and responsibilities. One of my fondest Congratulations Aman, and we wish you all globally. This award is open to young people outstanding recipients. achievements to date has been being a the best with the rest of your studies! up to the age of 24, for a programme that will leader, member and soloist in the New focus on fostering creativity and backing Zealand National Secondary Schools Five new recipients of the Page New Scholarship: young people to test out campaigns and Choir’s 2019/2020 cycle. Acorn Engineering Scholarship Acorn Foundation action ideas that could change the Human With the support of this Scholarship, I Coker Classical Arts Rights landscape for the better. This award We look forward to intend to go to Victoria University’s NZ Scholarship will be made for the first time in December celebrating the winners of School of Music and study a Bachelor of 2020. the 2020 Page Acorn Set up in memory of her late Music majoring in Classical Performance Engineering Scholarship in husband, Lynn, Acorn donor Jenny of the Voice. I am incredibly thankful for Coker recently established The Acorn this scholarship as it brings me great joy November. The Acorn Foundation Coker Classical Arts Scholarship and pride to represent the Bay of Plenty. Foundation was delighted to for Year 13 students. This scholarship is With the amazing generosity from Jann select the five new recipients of the award in intended for those students who have a Medlicott, I have the confidence to know April, but we were unable to hold our that I am backed by a wonderful group of celebration at that time. This year, the proven interest and talent in classical people. I am incredibly thankful for the criteria was revised to award second year painting and who wish to pursue studies in support this scholarship provides and am apprentices who stand out from their peers classical art at Elam School of Fine Arts at the looking forward to working hard towards in talent, attitude and enthusiasm. University of Auckland. my musical career.”

Events in November

Page Acorn Scholarships Awards Evening Monday, 9 November, Robert Page Engineering, 5:30pm

Outward Bound Awards Evening Wednesday, 11 November, The Kollective, 6pm

Acorn AGM and Distributions Evening (including recipient speakers) Monday, 16 November, The Kollective, 6pm

The Kollective The Acorn team celebrated two years in our new home on 1 November. TECT’s idea to create a hub for the social sector to improve collaboration has certainly succeeded, and now The Kollective is also home to community-minded businesses, including our auditors, William Buck. There’s always room for others to join us.

Page 3 DONORS WE REMEMBER Elizabeth (Anne) Fletcher 1951 - 2020

Anne grew up in the Waikato but lived in Tauranga for 34 years. She was a lover of teddy bears and had a huge collection. Anne loved gardening, bromeliads and playing bowls, which was where her real passion lay. She played both indoor and outdoor bowls. Anne worked for a panel beating service for several years, and when the owner wanted to sell the business, she decided to buy it. Anne married her husband, Don, which Honouring Acorn Donors – 10 new oak trees planted was a second marriage for both of them. It was a later than usual tree planting this • Jack (Jacqueline) Abbot A blessing was given by Davina Plummer of They had a double wedding with great year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we the Salvation Army Tauranga, and a brief • Norman & Molly Bicknell friends of theirs at the Presbyterian got there in the end! The weather gods background of each donor was read before church in 16th Avenue. Don was 19 years blessed us with another fine day to honour • Carol Bithell trees were planted. Many of the donors’ older than Anne, and he died in 2008. our recently deceased Acorn donors. We • Anne Crane family and friends joined the Acorn team for Anne had no children but deeply loved were joined by around 30 close friends and • Anna Finlayson-Smith tea at a local cafe afterwards. This day was her dog, Amy. Anne suffered from lung family at this year's remembrance tree really special and personal, and Acorn was issues for many years before her death, planting at the Acorn Foundation Oak Grove • Margaret McCracken honoured to share it with family and friends which prevented her from playing bowls in Cambridge Park. 10 trees were planted to • Nan (Eleanor) Olsen of our wonderful donors. and riding horses as much as she would remember the following incredibly • Ray Thornley A big thank you to Davina Plummer, have liked. generous donors: • Sam & Nulma Turner Tauranga City Council, Arbor Care and Anne has left her gift to Tauranga Tree Company for your continued Acorn unrestricted. • An anonymous donor support and help on the day.

Morning tea in the regions In late September, the Acorn team headed just how essential the centres are to our out to Katikati and Te Puke to host region. morning teas with our regional donors, Representatives of Plunket and Blue Light supporters and recipient groups. We Ventures spoke at both the Katikati and Te thoroughly enjoy connecting with people Puke morning teas. Trish Valois from in these towns and continue to be so Plunket shared how her new role as impressed with the hard work and Community Services Coordinator has collaboration being undertaken. grown and evolved since she joined the Katikati's morning tea was hosted by Allan team right on the cusp of lockdown. It was Wainwright and his fantastic team at the clear to all who attended just how broad Katikati Community Centre, who also the scope of services and support Plunket shared with us the admirable and provides has become, far beyond the visits be difficult to obtain for many youth. testament to the commitment of Boyd and encouraging way the community came of Plunket nurses to check over new-born Driving without a license leads to his team. together to support those in need during babies and their mums. Trish is leading the infringement fines and negative And finally, also at our Te Puke morning lockdown. We heard similar stories from Plunket team’s involvement in providing interactions with police which can tea, we heard from Runa and Shirley from Trudy van Stee who travelled over from the wraparound services and facilitating snowball and eventually become an Tauranga Budget Advisory Services, who Waihi Beach Community Centre, who, connections to service providers to meet unwelcome introduction to the youth provide advice and services to the Te Puke along with her team of volunteers, worked the needs of each individual family. justice system and all it entails. community via space at EmpowermentNZ. tirelessly throughout lockdown to ensure Wendy Robertson from Blue Light In Te Puke, Boyd Harris from Pukehina Surf It was apparent to all just how much Runa the older Waihi Beach community were provided an update on the young driver Rescue shared the remarkable amount of enjoys working with individuals and not left alone and isolated. Trudy runs A education programme which Blue Light work undertaken, and services provided, families in Te Puke. Her aim is to assist Friend’s Place from the community centre facilitates, covering both Katikati College by this entirely voluntary organisation. The them to become debt free and to educate which brings together senior members of and Te Puke High School. Blue Light's engagement with the Pukehina them financially to reduce expenses, while the Waihi Beach community for various programme supports youth whose community has increased substantially, tailoring those services to each individual/ weekly programmes such as cards, playing families may not have the financial means, with both parents and children coming on family in a way that is encouraging and music in their band, discussion groups, time, ability or a safe, registered vehicle to board to participate. The Club runs many respectful. board games, art and more. We are so teach their teenagers to drive. A driver’s training sessions and also organises out of It was inspiring to hear from each of these impressed with the services delivered by licence is often a basic requirement for town training camps at low cost for organisations, and we appreciate their both of these community centres to truly employment, an apprenticeship or training families to attend. What Pukehina Surf time to share their stories with us. encompass community spirit and show programme, or continued study, and it can Rescue is achieving is amazing and is a

When you choose to leave a gift to the community through Acorn, you can select your preferred charities, or you can leave the decision to our Distributions Committee to identify where the need is greatest.

FUNDING PREFERRED PARTNER: SUPPLIERS:

Phone (07) 579 9839 www.acornfoundation.org.nz

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