Welcome

The Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust (AOK) is based in Dunedin, New Zealand.

We are saddened to share that Anne Hardy, one of the founders of the trust, passed away on Thursday, 20th July 2023. She is greatly missed. Thank you to the Otago Daily Times, who published the article below about Anne.

Love of People Drove Community Volunteer (Otago Daily Times article)

Vision
The Trust was created to foster a giving, honouring and caring society. Our aim is to help people in our community who are in need and also to provide meaningful, joyful events that bring our community together.

Mission
The main focus of Acts of Kindness Charitable Trust has been to create and facilitate opportunities for
individuals and organizations to partner with the Trust to run city wide community events. The
aim is to express kindness to people in our community, especially to those that are vulnerable, lonely or
struggling financially. From 2024, the Trust will be stepping back from running these events.

  • The Dunedin Light Party is held close to the date of Halloween (31st October). The event provides a safe, family focused, non-Halloween alternative for children. Gold coin donation entry and all activities free of charge. This allows families with little to no disposable income to attend. The event is held at the Forsyth Barr Stadium and attracts between 3000 – 4000 children and their caregivers. Half attending are children. Approximately 300 volunteers participate. 2018 was the 6th year for this event at the Stadium.

  • The Dunedin Community Christmas Dinner provides a free meal and companionship on Christmas Day for those that are lonely, without family or struggling financially.
    The event is held at the Dunedin Town Hall and attracts around 500 people. Approximately 150 volunteers participate. The 2023 Dinner will be the last one to be hosted by AOK. This will now be looked after by the Dunedin Community House. Please contact Rob Tigeir, phone 03 471 6150, at the Dunedin Community House for more info about future events.

Volunteers
Thanking the volunteers, Christmas Dinner 2016
Performers
Light Party 2017