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CHAIRMAN'S REPORT 2005
This year has been another significant one for the Neurological Foundation with the announcement of a research budget of $1.25 million. With an expected special allocation later in the year, the Foundation’s commitment to new research is likely to exceed $2 million.
This contribution to the nation’s health is only possible because of the generosity of the community; the Neurological Foundation is the medium by which New Zealanders who want to do something about neurological disease are able to really make a difference. That – “making a difference” – has been the theme of our fundraising this year and it brings our efforts into focus. If we are going to do something about neurological diseases than we need to find out what causes them and then how to prevent or treat them – that is research.
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Mr Greg Thompson (Deputy Chairman-NF National Council)
Mr Ian Robertson (Chairman-NF National Council) |
The Foundation is now able to make a significant impact in the research and clinical areas. Neurological Foundation trained doctors and scientists are at the forefront of neurology and neuroscience in New Zealand. The Foundation’s founders and other Council members over the past 30 years or so can be rightly proud of the solid foundation they laid which has meant that neurologists, neurosurgeons and neurological researchers are “making a difference”.
Many charitable trusts support the Foundation and they make a significant contribution. The Lodge Ara Charitable Trust, the N. H. Taylor Trust and the J. A. Redwood Trust administered by Guardian Trust, the Levene Charitable Trust, the Thanksgiving Trust in Dunedin, the Dowdall Trust administered by the Public Trust and the H. B. Williams Turanga Trust have all made generous donations which have provided equipment, supported specific research projects or helped the Foundation with its running costs. We are most grateful for their support.
I would also like to add a message to the volunteers who work both in the Divisions throughout New Zealand, on the Council and the Scientific Advisory Committee and at the National Office, to the staff of the National Office and to our Community Liaison Officers: thank you for all of your efforts. You are vital components in this endeavour to search for the causes of neurological disorders and look for ways to alleviate the suffering that results from them.
Justice Paul Heath resigned from the Council in June, because his judicial duties prevented him from attending Council meetings. Justice Heath joined the Council in 1993. His intellect and commitment to the mission of the Foundation made him a valuable member of the Council and the Scientific Advisory Committee and his resignation was accepted with great regret.
A special welcome to Tony Offen from Dunedin who was elected to the Council at the last AGM. Tony joined other members of the Council and Paul Heath, John Burton, Prof John Gavin and members of the Scientific Advisory Committee over a two day period in July to review the Foundation’s strategy. While no great changes to the Neurological Foundation’s overall activities are planned – we remain focussed on high quality neurological research – some of the detail and in particular fundraising and other promotions is likely to change. The Council will consider an action plan at its next meeting in December.
But my main message is to our donors. The range of activities that the Foundation supports, such as advanced training for stroke specialist to developing the techniques of physiotherapists treating children with cerebral palsy or senior professors heading large research teams to young PhD students setting out on their neuroscience careers, is only possible because of your generous support. Together, we make a difference.
Ian Robertson
Chairman
National Council
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2008
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2007
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2006
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2004
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2003
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2002
Click here to view the Chairman's Report 2001
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