- Local donor Gary Roselli
Giving to local causes by gifting in perpetuity through Hawke’s Bay Foundation is helping fulfill a Hastings man’s drive to support Hawke’s Bay’s migrant community.
Through Hawke’s Bay Foundation, Gary Roselli will gift in June $12 thousand to Hawke’s Bay’s Multicultural Society, to help address what he calls a housing crisis for new migrants and poor integration for migrant children entering the local schooling system.
At 68, most of Gary Roselli’s life has been associated with migrants. Growing up with a Thai mother-in-law and being married himself to a Filipino for 26 years, Gary has seen first-hand the challenges Asian cultures face integrating into Kiwi life.
“I know we say we don’t have racism here but let me tell you it is rife. We need their workforce and migrant skills and helping these people adapt to life here makes me feel really good. I believe that giving what you can back in perpetuity is the right thing to do and to do it in the Hawke’s Bay community where I grew up, is so perfect.”
After updating his will through his lawyer Gary plans to leave 60 percent of his estate to Hawke’s Bay Foundation, along with ‘living giving’ contributions of $1 thousand a month.
“I went online and saw the good that Hawke’s Bay Foundation is doing locally, read some stories from donors and immediately thought this has to be the way to go.
“I trust them, I did my research and through speaking with people concluded it’s a robust and effective entity that is wisely investing and gifting returns back to charitable causes throughout Hawke’s Bay year after year. Bequestors like Havelock North identity, the late Sally Lusk were visionary and that inspired me.”
Gary’s aim is to have input in where he targets his giving while he’s alive. Causes closest to Gary’s heart include Napier and Hastings Riding for the Disabled, Hawke’s Bay’s Brain Injury Trust, Heretaunga Senior Citizen’s Club, Women’s Refuge and most poignantly, the Hawke’s Bay Multicultural Society.
“I guess the compassionate side of me wants to help those less fortunate or under privileged. If I died next week I would be at ease that people won’t fight over my assets and I have left a will that I’m very content with.”