Ten years of delivering silver linings
A home-grown charity created by locals for locals facing times of strife and struggle is this month celebrating its 10th year.
In March 2008, the Franklin Silver Lining Trust was formally launched, and since then has helped bring a little relief and time out - a ‘silver lining’ to hundreds in our communities doing it tough.
Money raised and donations and bequests collected over the past 10 years have enabled the trust to provide special getaways and grant wishes to families facing adversity.
This may be the result of an accident, bereavement or medical condition requiring ongoing treatment.
Silver linings have been, and can be, anything from a weekend away, a spa treatment, a family photoshoot, a supercar driving experience, chopper ride and more.
Trust founder and current committee member Megan Van Lieshout said the charity had its beginnings at her former business Pure Indulgence,
Through her work as a masseuse and a beauty therapist, she learned of clients’ personal struggles.
‘‘What I started to see was that it wasn’t just the person who was going through it all, it was their family members as well - the husbands and wives and partners driving down the motorway every day for chemo, dialysis . . . it’s not just for the sufferer.
‘‘The trust was set up for the caregivers and family members of the person because so often it’s them who need the break.’’
Van Lieshout said the trust’s success and longevity was credited to enthusiastic and generous community and busi- ness support, and profitable (and fun) fundraising events, ranging from formal balls and dinners to auctions and sales to themed functions.
She said the trust was truly indebted to the Franklin community for digging deep to show their support during the past 10 years.
Trust event highlights since 2008 include the St Patrick’s Day function, the trust’s debut event - which raised an incredible $50,000; a foodies evening with chef Michael Van de Elzen; the Anzac Ball; a Night of Inspiration where six inspirational locals shared their stories of triumph over adversity; a room ramble; the Nick McNamara Tribute Dinner and Rugby Ball and a monster garage sale.
The latest Franklin Silver Lining Trust fundraiser is next month’s Op Shop Ball - a chance for bargain lovers, second-hand enthusiasts and creatives to put together an incredible thrift shop outfit to wear to the event.
The event is on April 14 at the Pukeoware Hall. Doors open at 6pm, dinner at 7.30pm with band to follow. Bar and raffles available. Tickets are $75 each, with tables of eight. Contact Jude on 021 260 3252.
*See franklinsilverliningtrust.co.nz