Auckland's Cartier Trust is seeking community feedback on a proposal to broaden the purposes for which it collects and distributes funds. Founded in 2002 and named after drag artist the late Courtney Cartier, the main ambition of the Trust has been to help ensure families and friends in financial hardship can say goodbye to their loved ones with a dignified funeral. But improvements in HIV treatment mean there are fewer instances these days of its assistance being needed. "In recent years, the HIV and AIDS landscape has changed rapidly," says founding trustee Karen Ritchie. "The effectiveness of HIV medications continues to increase, people are getting earlier access to treatment and medication is playing an increasing role in HIV prevention. This all means that less people are dying of AIDS related illnesses and demand for the work of the Trust has fallen." The Cartier board, including new trustee Anthony Hotere, a.k.a. Tess Tickle, is proposing to expand the Trust's activities. "People may not be aware that our constitution provides scope to provide assistance beyond just funerals" Ritchie says. "For example, among other things, the constitution notes that scholarships for people researching HIV and AIDS or anti-HIV stigma campaigning are both possible." All existing funds will be tagged to bereavement support as this has been the promoted cause of historical fundraisers. If the community would like the Trust to expand in other directions then Ritchie says new funds can be raised to fund this. The trust will be seeking community input between now and Christmas and hopes to announce any new initiative early in 2016. Feedback can be provided to the Cartier Trust here.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Wednesday, 16th December 2015 - 4:58am