Baskets of Blessing

By PHILIP CHANDLER A Queenstown charity that’s dispensed thousands of meals to out-of-work locals is counting its blessings. Baskets of Blessing is one of three charities that will benefit from a crowdfunding event in Auckland next Wednesday run by philanthropy organisation,...

Out-of-town businesses running conferences and events in Queenstown now have a way to meaningfully contribute to the local community. Destination Queenstown, along with its convention bureau, have launched a corporate social responsibility programme called ‘Community Connection’. It introduces 16 established not-for-profits and trusts...

By TRACEY ROXBURGH An Arrowtown charity's run off its feet right now - but the Wakatipu community's swung in behind to support it. This month a 20-foot storage container, courtesy of AJ Saville Builders, was dropped off on the St John's...

By PHILIP CHANDLER With no tourists to cook for, Real Journeys Walter Peak and Canyon Brewing chefs are cooking up a storm for Queenstowners affected by the Covid-19 crisis. Using Canyon Brewing's kitchen, they've cooked almost 1800 meals for local charity, Baskets...

By PHILIP CHANDLER Former local mayor Vanessa van Uden's been among more than 100 volunteers responding to Queenstown's biggest humanitarian crisis. She's part of City Hall's emergency operations centre response team, formed after the Covid-19 lockdown started late March. Every Tuesday and...

By PHILIP CHANDLER Thanks to a Queenstowner's initiative, Otago and Southland Covid-19 lockdown heroes have been rewarded with free accommodation, activities, attractions and meals shouted by Southern operators. John Cushen set up Southern Heroes NZ after being moved by the story of...

By TRACEY ROXBURGH In three weeks, a group of community-minded Queenstowners have raised almost $430,000, sought expressions of interest from frontline charities in need, and granted more than $150,000 to help with the immediate need in the Wakatipu. Well-known Kelvin Heights...

Nearly 250 Wakatipu residents will receive a Christmas boost tomorrow, thanks to the generosity of the resort community. About 30 volunteers have been busy collecting donations, and nominations, for this year's Baskets of Blessing project. Now in its sixth year, the...

It's better to give than to receive, it's said. One of Queenstown's most prolific givers, however, is receiving special recognition for her philanthropy today. Baskets of Blessing coordinator Tam Schurmann discusses her charity with Philip Chandler Imagine how you'd feel receiving a basket of...