In the business world and her charity work, Theresa Gattung is a powerhouse, a woman who makes things happen. So, when her much-loved father John was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer, it was tough for Theresa to accept there was nothing she could do.
The very next day New Zealand went into its first national lockdown and, sitting in her favourite chair at her beach house in Waihi, Theresa was left with time to think. She might not be able to change things for her father, but was there more she could do to improve life for others?
“That whole period was a difficult time,” she recalls. “But throughout it, I was thinking about how I could make a really profound impact with my money, my time and my energies.”
Since her very first paycheck, Theresa, 60, has donated money to charities, and the former Telecom CEO has since played an active role in organisations that inspire and advance women and help animals – the two causes she is most passionate about. Now she wanted to take things to the next level and create her own charitable foundation.
“I knew I couldn’t do it by myself,” she explains. “I burnt out in 2018 because I was doing too much, and besides, I don’t have all the necessary skills.”
Theresa turned to her younger sister Angela, who with her background in education and charity work, was the ideal person to join forces with.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 31, 2022-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 31, 2022-Ausgabe von New Zealand Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
The perfect GETAWAY
From lengthy airport clinches to party ghosting, Michéle examines goodbyes
Message in a BOTTLE
Kevin makes a discovery in his shed that piques his detective skills
Empowered & thriving! PERFECT AT ANY AGE
Weekly editor Marilynn bravely shares her bold new approach to living her best life at 50 and beyond
Nature goals FIND YOUR GREEN SPACE
From stressed to refreshed! Lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Jenny Brockis shares the simple steps you should adopt to give your wellbeing a boost
Nature & the city KELLY & MARLEY'S WILD PROJECT
The podcaster’s eyes have been opened to a new way of life
TikTok star Paris 'I'M BRINGING OUR KAI TO THE WORLD
After a tough start to motherhood, the foodie tells how she reclaimed her life
Love and the city! WENDYL'S CHANGE OF HEART
After a decade in the country, she’s given up the good life to return home
New TV star Andy 'I THOUGHT BEIN AN ALL BLACK WAS TOUGH!' Кро
It was a big shift channelling his talent into the hit show Moving Houses, but the sporting legend is a natural
Babies and beyond! INES HEALS BRAD'S HEART
The actor is embracing life with his zero-drama’ partner
Spreading the joy SIR ASHLEY'S KINDNESS CLUB
The Kiwi health legend is taking a jab at teaching kids important life skills