"This means that gifts keep giving forever and the total amount of the gift will, over time, far exceed the original capital donation.
"This is a very powerful way for individuals, families or organisations to provide long-term benefits to our local community."
Foundation chairman Joe La Grouw said trustees were delighted Mrs Williamson-Orr had accepted the appointment as the foundation's first ambassador in the Taupo district.
"Joan has dedicated much of her life to the people of Taupo and is committed to the long-term development of the district. She is highly respected and very knowledgeable about the local community," he said.
Ambassadors work with the community foundation as volunteers.
Mrs Williamson-Orr was the mayor of Taupo Borough from 1986 to 1988 and Taupo District from 1988 to 2001. Whilst serving on the Lakes District Health Board from 2001 to 2010, she was deputy chairwoman and had a special interest in the Community and Public Health, and the Disability Advisory Committees. She was particularly proud of her involvement in raising funds for the design and building of the Turangi Community Health Centre.
People who would like to make a donation to the Taupo fund, or who would like to establish a named endowment fund of their own, can contact Annette Burgess at the Geyser Community Foundation, telephone (07) 349 7496 or email annette@geysercf.org.nz
People can claim a tax credit of one-third of all donations they make up to the level of their annual taxable income.
