From the Development Office

FROM THE DEVELOPMENT

OFFICE

Well that certainly was one out of the box.

2020 was a year that hurled a multitude of challenges at our community requiring us to be nimble, patient and supportive. In a disruptive year with so much distress caused by the ensuing instability of a somewhat unknown landscape, it has been heartening to see communities around the globe rally together, support one another and navigate their way through it all.

During this unstable time, the strength shown, and the support extended by our Rangi Ruru whānau, shone through and exemplified what it means to be part of this special community. Thank you to everyone who gave to the COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund, established to help the school underwrite tuition and boarding fees so current Rangi girls, whose families may be significantly impacted by COVID-19, can remain enrolled at Rangi. At the time of writing, 119 generous people had donated $55,190 and to date, nine girls had been supported. On behalf of those families you helped support, thank you for making a difference.

As the end of the year is nigh, it is opportune to also share gratitude to a myriad of champions who have supported the school in various ways.

Thank you to our generous sponsors, whose support helps enrich our programmes: 1st XI Hockey sponsor Archibalds and Volvo, rowing sponsors Pak’nSave, Thermatech, Forsyth Barr, Pye Group, Sun Smart? Why?, Au Natural Skinfood, Brannigans, Minaret Station, Alpine Helicopters, Logic Wireless and Matson & Allan Real Estate, as well as Eco Action project sponsor House of Travel Merivale/Shirley and Black Estate, Giesen and Wairau River Wines for their support of Spring Soirée. Rangi is also appreciative of the grants received in 2020 from the Jansen Trust and NZCT for the rowing programme.

We are incredibly grateful for all those who volunteer their services throughout the year. Reader/Writers, those who manage and assist our co-curricular teams, the wonderful people who come in to our community and share career and personal insights with our students and wider community, our wonderful PTA, those who serve on the Rangi Ruru Board of Governors, the Old Girls’ Association, and the Foundation, those who attend performances and events, and who simply cheer us on from the side lines – we salute you all.

One gift deserves a special mention. Earlier this year Rangi Ruru received a substantial bequest from Rangi Ruru Old Girl, Miss Elizabeth Reid, (Class of 1941). Miss Reid may no longer be with us, but we were fortunate to get to know her and share with her our intentions. This incredible gift has allowed the Board to give the green light to the next stage of the Project Blue Sky masterplan – a Sports and Multi-Purpose Centre. Thanks to Miss Reid, in 2022 Rangi Ruru will have a new facility, one which will transform school life for Rangi girls for the next 50 years and beyond. If you too would like to celebrate your family legacy through giving, please don’t be a stranger, give me a call, email me at b.woodham@ rangiruru.school.nz or donate via the QR code below. Every gift towards the new Sports and Multi-Purpose Centre really makes a difference.

So, as we leave 2020 behind, I look towards 2021 with hope. I know that whatever the world throws our way, our close knit community has a lot of tools in the old toolbelt to throw right back. We have a community ready to rally if needed and a special bond that will take more than a pandemic to break. May your Christmas holidays be filled with love. Bring on 2021!

Words by Bridget Woodham HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT

During this unstable time, the strength shown, and the support extended by our Rangi Ruru whānau, shone through and exemplified what it means to be part of this special community.