New chair continuing to bring silver linings
The Franklin Silver Lining Trust welcomed a new chair at its recent AGM.
Jude Balle, a community nurse who had spent four and a half years on the trust board, stepped up to the role and said she was looking forward to carrying on the trust’s good work.
‘‘I was quite happy to be involved,’’ Balle said. ‘‘It’s an awesome trust to be involved with.’’
She said there would be some big footprints for her to fill when taking over from the previous chair and founder of the trust, Megan Van Lieshout.
But the community-minded mum of three was excited about continuing to provide a bright spot for those who were struggling with difficult times in their lives.
Nominations for the trust’s special breaks are sent to Balle, and she said hearing people’s stories and then being able to offer them time out was incredibly rewarding.
‘‘Being able to ring people and offer them a break when they’re going through such a hard time and just the responses we get - it’s hard to put into words,’’ she said.
Van Lieshout will still be involved with the trust behind the scenes, and with several new faces on the committee as well, Balle said she was keen to focus on getting the word out about the trust and its purpose.
Balle credited the community for all its support in helping provide the silver lining experiences to their beneficiaries.
‘‘That’s what helps us keep the trust going.’’
THE FRANKLIN SILVER LINING TRUST
The Franklin Silver Lining Trust offers special breaks, time out and respite to those people in the Franklin area and their families who are suffering adversities. Silver linings can be anything from a weekend away, a spa treatment, a supercar driving experience or more.
The trust has had substantial support from local businesses and families since its inception.
It is also developing new initiatives, such as a teen team building programme aimed at raising teens’ self-confidence.
Nominations for silver lining recipients can be made at franklinsilverliningtrust.co.nz
Businesses who would like to offer their support can also contact the trust through the website.