The Eastern and Central Community Trust, a regular contributor to charitable organisations in Wairarapa, makes history this month, celebrating not only its 25th birthday but reaching a milestone in total donations made - $100 million.
The trust contributes to not-for-profit and volunteer organisations and has contributed to myriad projects in Wairarapa, Manawatu, Tararua, Hawke's Bay and Gisborne over the years.
Included have been donations each of $100,000 to Masterton Motorplex, Cobblestone Trust and the Wairarapa All-Weather Track Trust.
The trust's forerunner was the Trust Bank Eastern and Central Community Trust, formed in 1988. It became a greater community influence when it sold its shares to Westpac Bank in 1996 for $109 million. The proceeds from the sale were invested and its assets now stand at $148.1 million.
Donations manager Bev Watkins said the trust had a strong reserve fund and protected its capital base to ensure its ongoing ability to support future generations. The trust's annual meeting is in Masterton in August.
