The T G Macarthy Trust is celebrating its 100 year anniversary with a special one-off contribution of $40,000 to 40 toy libraries across the lower North Island, says Public Trust Chief Executive Graeme Hansen.
The Kāpiti Toy Library are among those receiving grants.
“The T G Macarthy Trust is the oldest and one of the largest charitable trusts in the Wellington region. It has given $61 million to more than a thousand education providers, charitable organisations and community groups since its establishment in 1912.
“This year alone the trust is distributing $2.8 million to hundreds of local charities, schools and other educational institutions. Many small community organisations like the toy library that are supported by the trust will benefit their communities in a significant way.
“None of this would be possible without the foresight of Wellington businessman Thomas George Macarthy to create an enduring legacy,” Mr Hansen said.
Thomas George Macarthy was a successful Wellington businessman who established the trust in his will to benefit charitable and educational causes within the old Wellington province. The trust continues to support a number of different causes related to children and families in their community.
As successful as Mr Macarthy was in business, that success has been eclipsed by the sheer magnitude of his charitable giving. Few people have made such a large and sustained contribution to communities in the greater Wellington region as Mr Macarthy.
Public Trust is the trustee of the T G Macarthy Trust, providing it with investment expertise as well as administering applications and payment of grants.
About the T G Macarthy Trust
The T G Macarthy Trust is a perpetual charitable trust established by Wellington businessman Thomas George Macarthy in 1912 to support charitable and educational causes in the former Wellington province (the lower North Island).
Since 1912 $61 million has been distributed to over a thousand education providers, charitable organisations and community groups.
The T G Macarthy board is comprised of the Governor-General, a representative of the Prime Minister, the Mayor of Wellington and the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Wellington.
Public Trust is the trustee for the T G Macarthy Trust. In this role it advises the Board on investment and grant strategies and performs the administrative functions including management of applications, distribution of grants, and evaluation of the social impact of grants.
Thomas George Macarthy followed the gold rushes in Victoria, Otago and the West Coast before settling in Wellington in 1877 as a brewer and hotelier. As well as being a successful businessman Mr Macarthy actively participated in public affairs and was a Director of the Bank of New Zealand and President of the Wellington Racing Club as well as holding many other offices.
For more information on the T G Macarthy Trust see www.tgmacarthytrust.org.nz.