JOHN Oliver’s autobiography is one of the fastest selling titles Paper Plus Ōtorohanga owner Grant Matthews has seen in his three years of owning the shop.
THE community has pulled together to support the Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust – by buying books.
This week, Paper Plus Ōtorohanga deposited $1500 into the trust’s bank account, earned through the sale of a limited re-print of local philanthropist John Oliver’s autobiography.
The idea was sparked by conversations between Paper Plus owner Grant Matthews and John Oliver about the demand in the community for copies of the book.
It was agreed that John would order a run of 50 copies and donate them to the shop, but he wanted some of the proceeds to be donated to a community group.
Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust (ŌCT) was determined to be a fantastic recipient and the full $29.99 retail price would be donated.
The community well and truly got behind the effort, with all but two copies sold in three weeks.
Grant said that was the top end of sales and not many other books sold 50 copies in less than a month.
“It’s an example of locals looking after locals,” he said.
ŌCT chair Kim Ingham said the trust was thrilled to have the community’s support again.
“This demonstrates once again what generous caring people we have in our community, and initiatives such as this one will allow us to approve more grants, and we are genuinely grateful to Grant and John.”
In the past three years, the trust has approved $306,000 in grants within the Ōtorohanga community.
Some grants ŌCT has approved recently include:
- Maru Trust – towards heat pumps and insulation
- Thrive Trust – towards upgrading their internal premises
- Ōtorohanga Domain Sports Association – towards upgrading floodlights
- Project Kiwiana – towards the Ōtorohanga Christmas parade
- Ōtorohanga Croquet Club – repairs to their club room roof
- Beattie Home – to enable respite care
- Kio Kio School – towards the replacement of their school van
- Ōtorohanga Māori Wardens – towards their varied programme expenses
- Two young local girls – towards tournament costs for the Basketball Pacific New Zealand Representative Tour
The trust’s ability to donate was boosted four years ago when it became owners of the new Ōtorohanga Medical Centre building, and the next year was debt free.
Kim credits the generosity of the community for the achievement.
The trust’s income was significantly increased by owning the building, allowing it to further support Ōtorohanga projects and initiatives.
Bay of Plenty Acorn Trust also supports ŌCT through an annual grant from an anonymous ex-local.
Last year that donation was $15,000.
Kim said all the trustees were volunteers, meaning costs were at “an absolute minimum,” further increasing the trust’s scope for donating.
The trust now offers multiple funding rounds a year with each attracting several applicants.
The highest number of applicants at one meeting was more than 10, Kim said.
“We have an experienced group around the trust table and robust discussions are the norm as we strive to meet our trust objectives with our grant making.
“Our website is really user friendly and grant applications are purposely not onerous to encourage all community groups and individuals to apply.”
Kim said ŌCT was open to receiving bequests and donations. The best way to get in contact is through the trust’s website otoct.org.nz
CHANCE TO GET YOUR COPY
GET your hands on the last copy of John Oliver’s autobiography titled There’s Only One Way to go in Your Eighties.
This special signed copy is only available through a blind auction being run by Paper Plus Ōtorohanga and King Country News.
Participate by emailing your contact details and your bid to sales@kingcountrynews.co.nz before 6pm on Tuesday, March 21.
If you don’t use email, you can personally bring your bid into our office at 18 King St East, Te Kūiti before we close at 4pm on Tuesday. Alternatively, give us a call on 07 878 1188.
Bids may also be taken into Paper Plus Ōtorohanga before 5pm Tuesday.
All bids are private until the winner is determined on Wednesday morning – the highest bidder wins.
Each person may place one bid only.
All proceeds go to Ōtorohanga Charitable Trust.
