OUTLine NZ, Rainbow Youth and the team preserving the AIDS Memorial Quilt have been given thousands of dollars from the Cartier Trust. The Trust was set up to assist with funeral costs for those who pass away from an HIV/AIDS related illness, but its strong financial position means it can also give funds to LGBT groups making a difference in our community, says Cartier Trustee Jonathan Thompson. "Cartier Trust is pleased to advise that donations this year totalled $10,000 to help support the Auckland GLBT community," he confirms. The Trust assisted with $4,000 towards funeral costs in 2009. $3,000 was given to OUTLine NZ as part of the OUTLine October $30,000 fundraising effort, following its $40,000 ASB Trust funding cut. "The Trust was pleased to be in a position to make a small contribution to OUTLine fundraiser – they play a critical role in the community," explains Thompson. Rainbow Youth received $2,000 following their assistance with this year's Cartier fundraising event, Black Tie Drag Bingo. The remaining $1,000 was sent to the team producing the AIDS Memorial Quilt website, "as a way of preserving the quilts so we can remember loved ones," says the Trust. "While our core purpose is, and will remain HIV/AIDS related, we are very pleased the Cartier Trust is in a position to help assist the community during these difficult financial times," Cartier Trust Founder and Trustee Karen Ritchie says. "I would like to express my gratitude to everybody past and present who supports the Cartier Trust."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Tuesday, 1st December 2009 - 9:18am