Eleven grants and scholarships totalling more than $30,000 from the Queenstown-based Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust have helped young New Zealanders gain experience in rural healthcare in places as diverse as Nepal, Tanzania, Kalgoorlie and Ecuador.
Chairman and lawyer John Farry, Dunedin-based brother of the late Queenstown doctor, reflected on a busy year for the three-year-old trust.
''Auctions have raised almost $40,000 to fund our work. The Art and Wine Auction in Queenstown brought together an array of enthusiasts.
''A guided walk on the Routeburn Track, donated by Ultimate Hikes, aroused keen interest.
''The annual fun run/walk has grown in popularity each year, raising awareness of the trust and bringing healthcare professionals and their communities together in Queenstown and Rotorua.''
The event will take place in Wellington in March. Mr Farry said voluntary trust representatives had been invited to events around New Zealand to speak about the trust's work and many businesses had given their support.
