With assistance from the Aoraki Foundation, the couple established the Annie and Russell Cowles Endowment Fund, as a way of supporting the community they lived in.
"We’ve been supported by this region all our lives," Mr Cowles said. "Creating this fund was our way of ensuring future generations have the same opportunities we did."
Mr Cowles was born in Timaru to an entrepreneurial family, and Mrs Cowles was born on a farm in Geraldine. Those backgrounds helped the couple learn the value of hard work and community spirit. The pair had several businesses, and successful careers, which included entrepreneurial ventures in wine and spirits distribution, and a gift-basket business Basketique.
September marks wills month, and in celebration of legacy giving, the Aoraki Foundation has teamed up with South Canterbury property lawyers.
Throughout September, property lawyers are offering a complimentary clause in an existing will to include a gift to the Aoraki Foundation for local causes and charities, making it easier than ever to leave a lasting impact.
By setting up their endowment fund and promoting Wills Month, Mr and Mrs Cowles hoped to inspire others to weave philanthropy into their own life stories — and to strengthen South Canterbury for generations to come. — Allied Media
