“Giving makes us feel good – it’s great to give something back to local causes that are dear to our hearts.”

Gavin and Karen Larsen moved to Mapua, in the beautiful Tasman region, in 2017 after spending the majority of their lives in Wellington.

As well as being a NZ Cricket selector, Gavin also holds the role of Executive Officer for the Top of the South Community Foundation, while Karen has grown a successful massage therapy business based in Mapua.

“We were so warmly welcomed here, and we already feel a real sense of belonging. Both Karen and I thought it would be meaningful to be able to give something back to the local community for the long-term.”

Gavin has been a Big Brothers Big Sisters mentor to his ‘little brother’ Te Maire for a number of years and he holds the organisation and the work that they do in very high regard. The couple decided to make a monthly donation to the Big Brothers Big Sisters endowment fund, currently being managed by the Community Foundation.

They also decided to leave a gift in their will, as a percentage of their estate, which will be invested in perpetuity by Top of the South Community Foundation.

Eventually, the Gavin and Karen Larsen Fund will give back to the community causes that have been dear to their hearts – like Big Brothers and Big Sisters, and others, – forever.

Karen says, “We certainly plan on being around for many years yet! But it’s the right time to think about supporting our community and what our legacy will be. It’s a really warm feeling to know that we can affect change to causes that are dear to us, even after we have gone.”

Gavin and Karen have discussed with their three adult children their plans and are pleased that they fully support their decision. “They were thrilled with what we are doing, and in due course, hopefully many years from now, they’ll be able to be part of, and recognise, their mum and dad’s legacy. We hope it’s something that they can also be proud of for many years to come”.