Flynn's Fund
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Flynn's Fund
Supporting outdoor and sporting initiatives across the Whakatipu and beyond
This endowment fund has been established to honour the life of Flynn Dawson, a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend, who died suddenly on 22 January 2024, at 17 years of age.
Flynn’s family hope that this fund will live on indefinitely in support of community initiatives that Flynn loved. All contributions to this fund in Flynn’s honour are gratefully received.
A keen hunter, sportsman and future farmer, Flynn loved everything about the great outdoors he lived and played in. Because of this, Flynn’s Fund has been given the very broad mandate of supporting charitable outdoor and sporting initiatives across the Wakatipu and beyond.
in 2025, grants of $20,000 were made to Branches Trust, and Search and Rescue Dogs New Zealand Charitable Trust (SAR Dogs NZ)
Branches Trust: Each year, year 10 students at Wakatipu High School attend an incredible eight day under canvas, technology free back country camp at the remote Branches Station. At Branches, they experience a broad range of outdoor activities and challenges including bushcraft, outdoor survival skills, tramping and rafting. Funds will be used to help ensure every year 10 students has the opportunity to attend.
Search and Rescue Dogs New Zealand Charitable Trust (SAR Dogs NZ): Funds will be used to support technical training and equipment for Tsuki an avalanche dog in training, as she prepares for service. Tsuki is a one-year-old Yakutian Laika, a breed from North-Eastern Siberia one of the coldest settled regions on earth.
Based at Coronet Peak, Tsuki has a strong work ethic, sensitive nose and a drive to please her handler making her the ideal dog for avalanche search and rescue.
We are grateful for the support of Flynn's Fund to enable us to make these first grants to outdoor and sporting initiatives across the Whakatipu and beyond.