Central Otago Resilience Trust (CORT) has supported 35 people across the district who have had to travel away from home for medical treatment in the past three years.

CORT spokesperson Glen Christiansen said the trust was committed to helping those in need due to a medical condition and removing stress for them and their children too.

“I can put a tank of fuel in the car and get to a [specialist] appointment in Dunedin if I have to, not everyone can do that.”

Glen said the trust could support each individual with $1500 to go on travel, fuel or accommodation costs.

CORT spokesperson Glen Christiansen. PHOTO: Supplied 

Since CORT started approximately $25,000 had gone to Central Otago locals in Alexandra, Clyde, Cromwell, Ranfurly and Roxburgh. 

Awareness raising was key to reaching those in need according to Glen.

“There is a shortfall of [other] funding models and we want Central Otago to know about us and support us.”

“It’s an easy format to request the money… we want to assure people that everything is confidential.”

CORT was founded by founding trustees Glen, Derek Craig, Becky Ensor and John Cooper.

It grew out of an idea after a fundraising campaign to help local journalist Jo McKenzie- McLean who was fighting bowel cancer.

The idea was to help specific individuals struggling with medical related costs.

Glen said CORT could assist people to other support services and had a network of contacts those suffering financial hardship could tap into.

He said the trust would like to hear from those keen to help, even if they can’t make a financial contribution to CORT, it could be a “hire a hubby or similar”, or maybe a service to donate meals.

Since the trust was formed in 2021 there has been a fundraising dinner held each year, supported “very well” by residents and the business community.

“Tables have sold quickly,” Glen said.

For the first time the dinner is in Alexandra at Orchard Garden next month (May 10) and two guest speakers will share their own health journeys.

Speaking are former All Black no. 8 Paul Miller, who has lost his right eye to cancer and one of the people behind Cromwell’s Sangster’s Pies, Rob Sangster who has been through cancer treatment. 

Find more information on CORT here

To find out how to apply visit How to apply page

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