Timaru-based Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust receive major donation of vehicle

| Timaru Herald | Rachel Comer |

A major donation has helped the trust which supports those leaving a West Coast religious community, allowing it to relocate families, transport furniture and household goods, and set up homes from scratch.

The Timaru-based Gloriavale Leavers’ Support Trust recently received the donation from the Hugo Charitable Trust, which funded a new Isuzu D-Max and heavy-duty trailer, valued at $90,400, to support former Gloriavale members across the South Island.

Leavers support trust manager Liz Gregory said the gift “still feels extraordinary’’.

“We feel like pinching ourselves every time we get into it and drive,’’ she said.

“A reliable towing vehicle is absolutely central to our work. We are constantly on the road carrying beds, furniture, whiteware, clothing and all the practical things people need when they are starting again.’’

Gregory said when someone left Gloriavale, they may arrive at a house with almost nothing.

“This vehicle and trailer help us turn an empty house into a home.’’

Members of the trust regularly travelled between Canterbury and the West Coast, and had towed heavily loaded trailers through demanding conditions.

“We’ve had some real heart-in-mouth journeys over the years, especially through Arthur’s Pass in winter,’’ she said.

“On one occasion an older vehicle was pulling a very heavy-laden trailer when it overheated and almost came to a standstill near the top of the Otira Viaduct.’’

Gregory said there had been nowhere to pull the vehicle over to and the traffic had built up behind them.

“This new vehicle gives us a level of safety and reliability we simply did not have before.’’

Gregory said the Hugo team also had a little fun with the signwriting, adding the words “With a little help from the Irish’’ to the vehicle, a nod to the heritage of the trust’s founder, Hugh “Hugo’’ Green.

Members of the Hugo team had also spent time meeting former Gloriavale families and hearing about their lives after leaving the community, Gregory said.

The trust recently helped sponsor some young Gloriavale leavers who travelled to Switzerland to compete at the Fistball World Championships.

Hugh Green was born in County Donegal, Ireland, in 1931 and later made New Zealand his home, building a successful business career while retaining a strong commitment to helping people facing hardship.

The Hugo Charitable Trust was established by his daughter, Maryanne Green, to continue that legacy.