RROGA News 2020

Page 16

RROGA DEVELOPMENT

Development Bridget Woodham, Head of Development, talks about the School’s philanthropic focus.

Last year, I spent some time with senior student leaders talking about giving and getting an understanding of what giving meant to them. Each year, I am blown away by the number of hours they volunteer and the money they raise for causes close to their hearts. In 2019 alone, Years 12 and Year 13 students completed a total of 7,253 hours of community service and the entire school raised just under $19,000 for local charities. Such acts of generosity help cement a strong sense of purpose in our girls, with many continuing to positively contribute to society and to the communities within which the live once they leave Rangi. When speaking with the girls, I wanted them to know how acts of generosity, such as those demonstrated by their student body, from generations past had benefitted a community a little closer to home. Rangi Ruru is as it is today thanks, in part, to the generosity of our community. It would be easy to presume an independent school like Rangi Ruru is profitable, charging fees that many might think make it cash rich. The reality is that school fees go towards staff and operational costs, so despite the seemingly large revenue stream from fees, additional funding and support is required for the School to continue to seize opportunities of advancement.

Throughout the School’s 131 years, with philanthropic support the School has acquired some of its greatest assets. We have a beautiful Church to gather and worship in, our very own pool to dive or belly flop into, we sit and dream under lofty trees, are surrounded by stunning works of art and we perform in bespoke theatres, all lovingly gifted by our community. Gifts such as tuition, boarding scholarships and bursaries have also meant the difference in some girls attending or not attending Rangi Ruru. Support comes in many forms, and whether it is simply through attending events, Old Girls coming back and sharing expertise and life experiences with current students, or through monetary donations, every gift makes a difference. The School is incredibly grateful for all those who support it, allowing it to thrive. Although the School’s philanthropic focus evolves, reflecting the needs of the school at a point in time, what is clear is that philanthropy is as important to Rangi Ruru today as it was in the past. The fallout from COVID-19 has highlighted the need for fundraising in schools, now more than ever, as many independent schools around the world call on this supplementary resource to support them and their families through this period. Here at Rangi Ruru we are not immune.

Due to a change in circumstances, several families are facing difficult decisions right now, including having to decide whether their daughter can remain enrolled at Rangi Ruru. Because of this, the School has established the COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund. This fund will allow the school to underwrite further tuition or boarding fees assistance in the short term. If you haven’t already and you are in a position to help others during this challenging time, I ask you to consider giving to the Rangi Ruru COVID-19 Fees Assistance Fund. You can do this via our website www.rangiruru.school.nz/ support. Through your support, we hope to raise enough funds to keep all our current girls at school, providing stability in an otherwise unstable time. Giving is a powerful way to celebrate your legacy and affection for Rangi Ruru. It is our hope that by carving a hallowed place in the hearts and minds of all those who pass through Rangi Ruru’s doors, each generation will continue the incredible cycle of giving set by its forebears. Thank you to all who support Rangi Ruru, ensuring the gift of a Rangi Ruru education is available for generations to come. Bridget Woodham Head of Developement

RROGA NEWS I 2020 016


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