Scoop: Giving is not just for the wealthy

Scoop: Giving is not just for the wealthy: "Giving is not just for the wealthy

American billionaire Warren Buffett’s $NZ61.6 billion donation to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is testament to the absolute value of philanthropy.

“This level of donation is far beyond New Zealand giving practices but it does reinforce the idea that gifting to our community can and does make a difference to people’s lives,” says Philanthropy New Zealand Executive Director Robyn Scott.

“Warren Buffett’s generosity is truly awe inspiring and his donation will go a long way to addressing some of the world’s inequities, but you do not have to be a billionaire and give away billions to make valuable philanthropic contributions,” she says.

Philanthropy New Zealand members collectively give away in excess of $260 million annually. “Some of our members are large foundations, others are individuals or families, and they all give to numerous organisations in a variety of ways."