A familiar face has joined the team at the Aoraki Foundation this month.
Kirsty Burnett has started in a newly created role at the organisation.
Mrs Burnett is known to some for her recent win as a top 10 finalist at Miss Vintage Australasia and her emceeing work at local events, and to others she was the marketing and funding co-ordinator at Presbyterian Support.
She said when she saw her previous job advertised five years ago it had ‘‘ticked all the boxes’’.
It had allowed her to be able to give back to the community.
‘‘I loved what I did and what I achieved.’’
With her new role at the Aoraki Foundation, she said, ‘‘What excited me the most was helping more organisations and more people.’’
Helping people was ‘‘what it is all about’’, Mrs Burnett said .
Having lived in Timaru for 22 years, she described herself as a passionate advocate for all things South Canterbury.
‘‘I love living here. Everything is so close and accessible. And the people, I love the people.’’
Aoraki Foundation chief executive Richard Spackman said the new role was a huge step forward for the foundation.
‘‘Having a dedicated person to look after our donors and help them achieve their philanthropic ambitions is massive for our community.
‘‘We are thrilled to have Kirsty on the team. She is the perfect fit for this role, with a strong passion to see our community thrive.’’
The Aoraki Foundation was established in 2009 and is one of 17 community foundations in New Zealand.
The organisation’s primary focus is to provide a simple and long-lasting way for people to help charitable causes in the South Canterbury community now and in the future.
Mrs Burnett said, despite only being in the role for a short time, she was enjoying meeting and building relationships with donors, as well as talking to local organisations about funding opportunities.
She felt there was a lot of potential to increase funds so the organisation could reach the goal of giving out $1 million to charities by 2030.
‘‘We are looking for more community-minded people to share in this vision and to become donors, so if anyone wants to know more about how it all works then get in touch, I’m always up for a chat.’’
To find out more, visit the website aorakifoundation.org. nz
