Coastguard Gisborne goes to Sunrise Foundation to safeguard funding future

Coastguard Gisborne has created an endowment fund with the Sunrise Foundation to better secure its financial future. Standing in front of the Coastguard's Lion Foundation rescue craft are (from left) Aaron Boyle, Tony Watson and Adrian Brown.

Lion Foundation Coastguard Gisborne has established an endowment fund with Sunrise Foundation to ensure its future sustainability.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Coastguard Gisborne faces the dual challenge of operational demands and limited funding, which has prompted its committee to consider alternative avenues of guaranteed and reliable funding, a Sunrise Foundation release stated.

Only 40% of Coastguard’s total national operational costs get Government funding, which leaves the charity reliant on grants and donations to cover the shortfall and support units like Gisborne.

Coastguard Gisborne’s committee believes an endowment fund with Sunrise will secure some of the necessary funding required to maintain its specialised equipment and support its ‘round-the-clock operation.

Coastguard Gisborne skipper Aaron Boyle said they had confidence in Sunrise Foundation’s endowment model.

An endowment fund with the Sunrise Foundation has been deemed the right move as Coastguard Gisborne looks to the future to continue to provide services such water security during the Gisborne leg of the New Zealand Offshore Powerboats Series. Photo / Liam Clayton

“We believe Sunrise’s endowment model is an excellent way to create an enduring legacy that will offer more return as time goes on and the endowment grows,” he said. “It’s all about long-term sustainability and security of funds.

“At the same time, it enables us to build up funds towards major capital replacements such as an upgraded rescue vessel or renovated buildings as needed in the future.”

Sunrise chief executive Glenda Stokes said the endowment fund represented guaranteed funding for the local Coastguard unit.

“But it’s also a call to action for the Gisborne-Tairāwhiti community. Those who contribute to the fund are joining a legacy that has saved lives in the region for almost 40 years.”

Stokes said Coastguard Gisborne provided a trusted presence and support on the waters of Gisborne-Tairāwhiti.

“All donations will directly benefit the local Coastguard unit, establishing a reliable and perpetual source of income.”