G.I.F.T. CENTRE
Providing a sacred and fulfilling environment for those with intellectual disability.
Anthony Segedin - Chairman of the Board
In June 2016 Bishop Patrick Dunn invited Anthony to take the Chair of G.I.F.T.
Anthony is excited to be part of the G.I.F.T. apostolate, "It's the opportunity to see the face of God in the intellectually disabled who need special support and encouragement and to bring the Good News to them in a way that they can better understand and live it."
Anthony is a lawyer, now semi-retired and practicing in Auckland. He looks forward to being part of the G.I.F.T. Board offering his expertise to advance the cause of the G.I.F.T. apostolate.
A parishioner of St. Michael's Remuera, Auckland and a member of its Parish Finance Committee, he was also a member of the Board of NZ Catholic newspaper for 16 years till 2014, the last six of those as Chairman.
Fr Pat Ward - Chaplain of G.I.F.T.
Fr Pat's association with G.I.F.T. goes back to 1987 when he was appointed Parish Priest at Good Shepherd Parish Balmoral.
In 1997 Fr Pat became the Chaplain of G.I.F.T. and was appointed to the Board.
"It has been a wonderful experience to see the love and care exercised in so many ways by all those involved in G.I.F.T. And to know that Sister Jean's vision for the sacramental growth of the disabled is being continued."
Vivienne Aherne
Vivienne has been associated with G.I.F.T. for many years helping with Study Group and Companions Group and joined the Board in 2006. She continues to lead the groups from time to time and also facilitated two spirit-filled retreats.
24 years ago she came into contact with G.I.F.T. when Margaret Fitzpatrick followed Sr Jean’s programme to help her daughter Jemima receive her First Communion. A few years later when the G.I.F.T. Religious Education coordinator visited her parish, her family became associated with G.I.F.T.
"Belonging to the wonderful loving family of G.I.F.T. is a continual blessing. A Pentecost memory that I will never forget - Mary Hole, a G.I.F.T. member worrying why she made mistakes when she loved Jesus so much and I instantly knew that she was filled with the Holy Spirit."
Marie-Louise Bullôt
Marie-Louise has been on the G.I.F.T. Board for just over 2 years.
Coming from St Bernadette’s Parish, Mt Wellington, she was appointed to the Board because of her legal knowledge and expertise which she is able to utilize for the benefit of the G.I.F.T. community.
Val Gibson
Val began her association with G.I.F.T. as a helper in fund raising for the residential houses. She became a member of the Board in 2003 and was the Chairman of the Board for 8 years till 2016.
She has a daughter Jackie with an intellectual disability, who has been part of G.I.F.T. since 1973. G.I.F.T. has been a huge part and support in Jackie's life ever since.
"G.I.F.T. is not just the Sacramental programme, it is the companionship and social activities, dances, film afternoons, retreats and weekend trips. And above all, the residential care facility when we parents or family cannot do the caring."
Rob Loader
Rob joined the G.I.F.T. Board 2 years ago. He has done voluntary work with
people of physical and intellectual disabilities and has a background in psychology and theology. His expertise in the property and maintenance domain is most appreciated by G.I.F.T.
"I see G.I.F.T. developing its mission throughout the Diocese, enhancing
the lives of all who come in contact."
Joanne McCrae
Joanne has been on the G.I.F.T. Board since 2005 and is Treasurer.
Her sister Susan was one of the original residents in GIFT so her family has had a long association.
"G.I.F.T. has the responsibility and privilege to be family and to provide a home to the residents of G.I.F.T. and Sinclair House – for me seeing the happiness and growth of the residents is paramount – it is also rewarding to see how this gives great satisfaction to the support workers"
Carole Kenealy
Carole was appointed to the G.I.F.T. Board in 2014. She has a rich experience as a purchaser and provider in the disability health sector.
She has lived with a disability of being deaf for nearly 30 years, and after operations in each ear is now leading a normal life. She is very dedicated to the ongoing challenges of improving and providing services under the G.I.F.T. Diocesan umbrella.
"The inner being of a person is unique in a person with a disability. Their spiritual sacredness and depth of understanding always astounds me."
