Trustees announce conclusion of fundraising.
The Trustees of The Little Pumpkin Trust, have announced that a minimum sum
of $NZ40,000 will be placed in long term reserve for the benefit of the
little girl who was found abandoned in the Melbourne Railway Station in
September.
The Trust was the inspiration of Grace Xue, the 27 year óld half sister of
the little girl who also became the focus of media attention. She announced
the establishment of the Trust on September 26. Sir Roger Douglas, New
Zealand’s former Minister of Finance, and Dr John Gray, an Auckland lawyer,
agreed at short notice to draw up a Trust deed and assemble a Trust Board.
Mr Jock Irvine, an Auckland lawyer and acting Chairman of the Trust, said
the Trustees have decided to allocate the full net amount of the Trust funds
in the interests of Pumpkin.
“Ït will be a minimum of $40,000. There are still some donations coming in
and we have allocated 15 percent of total funds collected to meet some of
the costs. I expect the final net amount to be slightly in excess of this,”
he said
Some discussions have been held with representatives of Madam liu,the
grandmother and Court-appointed guardian of Pumpkin. However, Mr Irvine said
any specifics have yet to be decided.
“The little girl has a full lifetime ahead of her and who knows what
fortunes or misfortunes she may face as she grows.
“The Trustees concluded that the spirit of all donations to the Trust were
in the singular interest of Pumpkin and this has been the driving logic to
invest the fund for her to pick up at a future date.”
A letter will be sent to Madam Liu advising of the existence of the fund.
If the fund is not called on for some time, the Trustees will administer its
investment for growth.
Mr Irvine said no Trustees have received any money from the Trust and the
commercial suppliers all donated thousands of dollars worth of time and
expertise.
The funds were raised in a short period from September 26 and were largely
the result of media support in Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Irvine said it is not known how much was raised by either country but he
expects more was raised in New Zealand simply because the Trust was able to
set up donation mechanisms more quickly. Some donations were received from
the United States and other countries as other World media took interest.
Mr Irvine also paid tribute to Grace Xue, Pumpkin’s half sister.
“I spoke with Grace a week or two ago and she asked if she could stand down
as a Trustee and return to a less hectic life.I assured her the remaining
Trustees would administer the Trust as she had always intended.
“Grace is an inspirational young woman who had the presence of mind to do
something worthwhile even when she was faced with quite emotional effects on
her life. She has been entirely selfless and giving throughout.
“She was offered payments for some media interviews and the full amounts
have been paid directly to the Trust. She took nothing and made a huge
contribution in time and effort.
“Pumpkin is very lucky to have this young woman in her life and I am sure
they will have many happy years together.”
The Pumpkin Trust Deed will remain legally on file at the offices of Insight
Legal in Auckland, the company of Dr Gray. Pumpkin or her representative can
call on the fund at some future date.
Mr Irvine said the Trust is not actively seeking any more donations. He said
Grace and the Trustees have asked that any people still wishing to donate,
are encouraged to place their support with the New Zealand organisation,
Grandparents raising Grandchildren Trust or in Australia, with
Grandparents.com.au
“in the few weeks that we were actively involved in this Trust we became
aware of the growing phenomenon of grandparents being required to raise
their grandchildren. This is a very worthy cause which needs wider public
support.”
Mr Irvine said Grace and the Trustees wish to express their appreciation to
people in Australia and New Zealand as well as other parts of the World, who
contributed to the fund.
ENDS