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10 Headlines A word from our Donor Relations Specialists Theresa Liebenberg Donor Relations Specialist Upper North Island "Good day wonderful supporters. My name is Theresa and I am the Donor Relationship Specialist for the upper North Island. This is my ninth year working in the not-for-profit sector, and I feel incredibly grateful to be part of this industry every day." My role at the Foundation is to build relationships with our amazing donors. Before the pandemic, in-person visits were the dominant and most powerful way to connect with people. The impact of meeting a supporter in person and listening to what is important to them is very personal. If the person is interested in supporting the Neurological Foundation, Margie (my co-worker) and I are responsible for finding research projects that align with the individual's values. Each donor's journey is bespoke. Since the unpleasant arrival of COVID-19, we have had to reinvent how we support our donors and ensure that their needs and expectations are met and understood. It was very unfamiliar territory for me as I am very much a face-to- face person, but I have learned so much, and it demanded thinking outside of the box to ensure we deliver a respectful service to our donors. One of the highlights (and I have many) of the past two years is how everyone worked together to keep vital and ground-breaking research alive. We receive no government funding and rely on the people of New Zealand to partner with us. It all starts with raising awareness. Another highlight is that many donors I work with remind me of my beautiful mother in South Africa. It makes my connections with our supporters so special. I always seem to find some similarity, and that makes me happy. COVID-19 has also highlighted the importance of gifts in wills. Most people were struck by fear of the unknown and this resulted in a significant decline in living donations to the Neurological Foundation. It is understandable as family and loved ones come first and should always. Donors who made provisions in their wills in the past, no matter how big or how small, is what made the continuation of funding possible. Please get in touch with Margie or I if you are considering leaving a gift in your will. To all our committed donors, thanks so much for your support. Please help us raise awareness and educate people about the importance of the neurological research you fund. "One of the highlights of the past two years is how everyone worked together to keep vital and ground- breaking research alive." Theresa on the far left with her family.