100 Club is a Trust fundraising campaign championed by AOPA NZ Life Member Shaun Gilbertson.
“Its no secret that its harder to find engineers to service and fix our aircraft. Fewer young people are getting into the industry – and not enough are making it through to becoming a licenced engineer.”
Shaun has decided to do something about that problem, so with support of the Trust, he’s shoulder tapping AOPA NZ Members to join the 100 Club.
“I’m looking for 100 members to each donate $1000. That’s $100k for the Trust to build a future where there’s enough engineers for General Aviation.”
“A thousand bucks is about the same as one engine re-build shared among the 100 Club members Or about one tank of gas for the aircraft many of us operate. And because its a donation, you get a 1/3 back as a tax credit, so its only $666 that really leaves your wallet.”
Together, we’re looking for a balance of long-term impact, whilst starting the ball rolling now. So that’s why half of the funds raised will go to the Trust’s long term Capital (Endowment) Fund, and half towards running Aviation Engineering programmes such as internships in the near-term.
In the long-term, the Trust is aiming for a $5 Million Capital (Endowment) Fund from a wide range of donations, partnerships, and bequest. The idea is for investment returns eventually fund the Trust’s programmes and operations. It’s a long journey, but we’re delighted to be continuing towards that goal.
Our efforts to support Aviation Engineering will include Internship programmes. We’re reaching out to a range of organisations to find out who is willing to work with us, how the programmes might look, and what resources are needed. Programmes like these take time to get right – bear with us, we’re working hard on it!
Donors to the 100 Club will be asked if they’d like their name recorded publicly on the Benefactors, supporters and friends page on our website; it’s a chance to show your support and be an example for others to follow suit.
You can donate to be part of the 100 Club now, or contact us to discuss this, or any other Trust initiative.