More than $50,000 has gone towards helping Central Otago residents cover costs associated with medical conditions in the past two years.

Central Otago Resilience Trust (CORT) is now looking to reach more people in every corner of the district, including the Maniototo and Teviot areas.

Spokesperson Glen Christiansen said there were people out there hurting and the trust had the dollars to help them.

They could support each individual with $1,500 for travel, fuel or accommodation costs, and he said people shouldn’t be too proud to reach out and ask.

Glen said half of the people they have helped have given back to the trust in some way, whether through volunteering administration, or donating a service of their own.

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 Cromwell journalist Jo McKenzie-McLean who was diagnosed with bowel cancer.

The Central Otago Resilience Trust wants to help people in every corner of the district. Photo: File 

Glen said CORT could help people to access other support services, and the group had a network of contacts those suffering financial hardship could tap into.

One example was going to the bank with a couple to help them negotiate a loan for a holiday, after they experienced tough times.

He said the trust would like to hear from anyone 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.

“Some people just need a bit of a helping hand, fixing the odd thing.”

Since the trust was formed in 2021 there has been a fundraising dinner held each year, supported by the business community.

Glen said they have managed to raise significant money from those events, along with receiving donations from Rotary and Lions, individuals and businesses, including proceeds from events such as the Highlands Easter Egg Hunt.

Competing businesses have sat alongside each other at fundraising events, “and are no longer competing when it comes to looking after the community”, he said.

Find more information on CORT here. To find out how to apply visit How To Apply page.

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