The story of Verna McDonnell's enduring gift to Ōpōtiki - As published in our 2026 Annual Impact Report
The impact of one person's generosity can be felt for generations. Verna McDonnell, also known as Sister Clothilde, lived a life defined by humility, warmth, humour, and a deep commitment to her community.
As the very first donor to our Foundation, she set an inspiring example of generosity and foresight, establishing the Verna McDonnell Endowment Fund in 2012 to help preserve the heritage and taonga of the Ōpōtiki District.
Verna lived modestly and frugally, and her vision extended far beyond her own lifetime.
Verna’s vision lives on through the fund she created, which is already making a meaningful difference in the community she loved.
Verna was born in Gisborne in 1934 with a dislocated hip – a condition not remedied until she was five, when she spent 18 months in a full body cast. The second of seven children to local sharemilkers John and Elma, she attended school in Tologa Bay before the family moved to Northland and was later sent with her three sisters to study at St Brides Convent in Masterton.
Despite having her heart set on becoming a librarian, at age 20 Verna embarked on a journey of faith instead – moving to a strict Order in Sydney as a postulant. She took her final vows seven years later, referring to this time as the ‘great silence’, filled with chores, religious teaching, singing and chanting, with daily pardon and penance before meals.
After serving time as a teacher in Papua New Guinea, Verna moved to Queensland and was able to finally fulfil her dream of becoming a librarian. It was during this time she had the chance to perform with a specially selected Kapa Haka group at the 1988 Brisbane Expo - an unforgettable experience and a memory that she relished.
Verna returned to the Eastern Bay several years later, settling in Ōpōtiki as a member of the Congregation of the Brigidine Sisters to look after her ageing father.
The motto of the Brigidine Sisters is ‘Fortiter et Suaviter’ (With Strength and Gentleness) and it was one that resonated deeply with Verna, who took her responsibilities as a steward within the Ōpōtiki community seriously.
Verna believed that by living simply and sustainably, the whole community could flourish.
Keen to make a difference with the savings she had carefully accrued over a lifetime, Verna established an endowment fund with the Eastern Bay Community Foundation.
She was delighted by the knowledge that her generosity would continue supporting the community long into the future and took great pleasure in seeing the first grants distributed from her fund.
Verna passed away in 2022, but her legacy continues through the lasting impact of the fund she created.
Click here to learn more about Verna McDonnell Endowment Fund.
Like Verna, many people want to give back in a way that lasts beyond their lifetime. The Eastern Bay Community Foundation makes this possible through endowment funds.
Unlike a one-off donation that is spent immediately, the original donation is preserved while the income it earns is distributed each year to support the charities, causes, or communities chosen by the donor.
Year after year, decade after decade, the fund continues to grow and generate support for the causes closest to the donor's heart. Whether established during a donor's lifetime or through a gift in their Will, an endowment fund creates a lasting legacy for future generations.
Together, these gifts help sustain the people, places, and unique spirit that make the Eastern Bay of Plenty such a special place to call home.
If you're interested in setting up your own endowment fund, please get in touch.
