Nano Nagle – helping children

WelCom March 2018: Hope is such a necessary part of life. Where better to get this hope than through a Christian education, where the ultimate hope is in God. Mike Bunt…

WelCom March 2018:

Hope is such a necessary part of life. Where better to get this hope than through a Christian education, where the ultimate hope is in God.

Mike Bunt

Catholic school children send a letter to Pope Francis. Photo: Supplied

In a troubled world it is of great hope to know the demand for children to be educated at a Catholic school is strong. However, some families find the cost a barrier to fulfil their dream for their children.

Recognising this, the Presentation Sisters and friends of Nano Nagle set up the Nano Nagle Charitable Trust in 2009 to help support families in need across Aotearoa New Zealand.

From its small beginnings NNCT has grown significantly and has helped nearly 100 children in the Archdiocese of Wellington and the Diocese of Palmerston North.

Growth has been especially strong over the last two years. During the 2016–2017 financial year NNCT provided financial help, mainly for attendance dues (school fees), for 97 children in Wellington, Palmerston North, Otago and Southland.

NNCT’s sole purpose to support families struggling to pay for their children’s education costs seems to have ‘hit a nerve’ with donors who continue to generously support our mission. Our work is also well supported by an energetic fundraising committee.

As a result of the recent growth, we are pleased to announce the formation of a NNCT support group in Wellington. We are delighted to welcome Joseph (Joe) Nicolle, Sr Frances and Frank Wafer to our growing team of supporters.

Mike Bunt is a trustee of the Nano Nagle Charitable Trust.


Nano Nagle Charitable Trust – applying for help

A request must come from a third party, for example a parish priest, school principal or staff member, Catholic Social Services. In the first instance, the third party is invited to email nanonagletrust@gmail.com or to phone Joe Nicolle on 027 533-5442.

A donation can be posted to Nano Nagle Charitable Trust, 86 Church St, Mosgiel 9024, or payments may be deposited directly to: Westpac 03 1736 0513225 00. Remember to ask for a tax receipt.

Before her death in 1784, Nano had opened seven schools for poor children across Cork city, Ireland, founded an almshouse for poor women and founded the Presentation Order, who continue her education and social inclusion work today. Born to a wealthy Catholic family in 1718, Honoria Nagle was given the pet name Nano by her father. (nanonagleplace.ie)