Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council launches new fund with Sunrise Foundation

Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council committee members and volunteers after receiving a Citizens Civic Award. The council has established an endowment fund through the Sunrise Foundation. Front (from left) are Hans Van Kregten, Meredith Stewart, Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Corey Zhang. Back are Pramod Kumar, TMC president Arish Naresh, Sarwan Kumar and Baljeet Sandhu.

Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council’s mission of strengthening and supporting cultural diversity in the region has been boosted through the establishment of an endowment fund with Sunrise Foundation.

The Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council (TMC) OWDSocks Fund is designed to generate sustainable income for multicultural groups, ethnic-led religious organisations and other community initiatives that promote inclusion.

TMC president and founder Arish Naresh, in a Sunrise Foundation release, said it reflected the council’s commitment to ensuring diverse communities were supported long-term.

“We want Tairāwhiti to be a place where every culture is valued and every community feels they belong,” Naresh said.

“This fund allows us to create a legacy that will provide ongoing resources for our multicultural communities and ensure their contributions are recognised.”

The fund was the 66th to be established with Sunrise since 2014, the release said.

“The continued growth in funds highlights the confidence groups and organisations have in the foundation’s endowment model, where donations are pooled and invested, with income used to support local causes.”

Sunrise chief executive officer Glenda Stokes said the establishment of the fund came at a time of rapid growth for the foundation.

“Funds under investment are now at $12 million, compared with $8m on March 31, 2024. Since its inception, Sunrise has awarded more than $2m in grants. A further $550,000-plus will be distributed to community groups next month.

“Each fund represents a long-term commitment to the people of Tairāwhiti,” she said. “The creation of the Tairāwhiti Multicultural Council OWDSocks Fund demonstrates the foresight of the council’s leadership team and will provide enduring support for our local multicultural community.”

Naresh said by working with Sunrise “we are ensuring the future sustainability of multicultural support in the region”.

“Every donation to help grow the fund, regardless of size, will help strengthen Tairāwhiti as a welcoming and inclusive community.”