TG Macarthy Trust Distributes $2.76 million to Wellington Region - Mary Potter Hospice receives $100,000.

Adrian van Dyk, acting chief executive and Kevin Nicholson, Public Trust’s Wellington manager with ‘TG’ in the middle.

The generosity of Wellington benefactor, the late Thomas George Macarthy, was acknowledged at the announcement of the 2007 grants for the TG Macarthy Trust by Public Trust, trustee for the TG Macarthy Trust.

More than 500 charitable and educational organisations, schools, kindergartens, play centres, toy libraries and Plunket groups in the greater Wellington region have received TG Macarthy Trust grants totalling $2,765,506.

Organisations receiving grants this year include the Mary Potter Hospice, Wellington Free Ambulance and the Kotuku Music Academy Support Trust - all based in Wellington; Coastguard Central Region in Wanganui, NZ Organisation for Rare Disorders from Petone; Stopping Violence Services in the Wairarapa, Kapiti Emergency Medical Services Trust in Paraparaumu; and ACROSS Te Kotahitangi O Te Wairau based in Palmerston North that looks after the welfare of children and families.

The $100,000 grant to the Mary Potter Hospice from the TG Macarthy Trust was presented today by Public Trust's manager in Wellington, Kevin Nicholson. This substantial grant has made TG Macarthy Trust the Hospice's first Platinum Sponsor.

Mary Potter Hospice acting chief executive Adrian van Dyk says, "We are very grateful to the TG Macarthy Trust for its grant of $100,000. This will make a significant contribution towards our not insubstantial operating costs. The aim of the Mary Potter Hospice is to ensure hospice care remains free of charge and accessible to all those who need it.  At any one time the hospice cares for 150 people, either in their own homes or in the hospice itself, from the Wellington, Porirua and Kapiti communities."

Established in 1912 after the death of Wellington brewer and benefactor Thomas George Macarthy, the TG Macarthy Trust has been managed by Public Trust since its inception. The Trust's purpose is to provide assistance to a wide variety of charities and educational institutions in the greater Wellington region.

Public Trust's Wellington Manager Kevin Nicholson said, "The grants for 2007 reflect very much the wishes of Mr Macarthy to help deserving charitable and educational organisations in the greater Wellington region. Since 1912 over $48 million has been distributed to many diverse organisations. More than $25 million has been distributed over the last 10 years."

"Public Trust is privileged to act as trustee for the T G Macarthy Trust and make the distribution of grants to these well-deserving organisations.  Mr Macarthy was known as a quiet, reserved man of a kindly nature, ever ready to give in the cause of genuine need.  The lives of many in the community have been enriched through his philanthropy.  Public Trust looks forward to safeguarding and distributing the fruits of his labour to deserving organisations for many years to come," said Mr Nicholson.                                                                                                                                  

Members of the T G Macarthy Trust Board of Governors are the Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Wellington and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington.

Applications to the T G Macarthy Trust's next grants round will be called in March, and must be lodged with Public Trust by 30 June 2008.  Only charitable or educational organisations operating within the greater Wellington region are eligible under the terms of the Trust Deed.  The T G Macarthy grants district includes Manawatu, Wairarapa, Wanganui, Kapiti, Horowhenua and the Hutt Valley.

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