Mystery donors secure Stella Maris ECE future

Bridget Armstrong, Stella Maris centre leader, with some of her charges at the early childhood centre in Campion Road. She says the endowment fund set up with Sunrise Foundation will benefit many centre families in the coming years. Picture by Markus Brunner

A group of mystery benefactors have stepped forward to seed the Stella Maris Catholic Early Childhood Centre Endowment Fund with The Sunrise Foundation.

The new fund has been established to support those children in greatest need from families who are struggling financially to participate fully in the life of Stella Maris. Specifically, it will assist children in the spiritual, academic, cultural and general activities of Stella Maris.

Bridget Armstrong, Stella Maris centre leader said she was overjoyed when she first learned of the $50,000 gifted to Sunrise.

Although the government provides 20 hours free early childhood hours for children 3 years and older, Bridget said in the current climate many parents are requiring additional hours of care, and this can add to their financial burden.

“It’s humbling to be on the receiving end of this kind of selfless generosity that will benefit many Stella Maris families over the coming years.

“As our fund grows, the annual grant from it will help us support whānau who need extra financial assistance, easing one of life’s pressures for those who need it.”

When Stella Maris Catholic Early Childhood Centre opened its doors on Campion Road to preschoolers one year ago, Bridget said it felt as if they’d completed the Catholic community.

“We have St Mary’s Star of the Sea church and Campion across the road, St Mary’s right next door, and now us. It’s a full circle and means as the children grow there is a smooth transition from one area of learning to the next.”

Sunrise executive officer Glenda Stokes said through the generosity of a group of local parishioners who had seeded the fund, Stella Maris would be guaranteed a reliable source of income forever, “supporting those families who need some extra help”.

“All donations to the Stella Maris Catholic Early Childhood Endowment Fund will be invested, protected and grown to keep up with inflation. Surplus investment income will be returned to them every year forever.”