News

The National Heart Foundation of New Zealand is pleased to bestow a Lifetime Membership on the long-serving former Treasurer.

David Strack was honoured at a surprise ceremony on Thursday, 15 September.

Heart Foundation Chairman of the Board, Bruce Fraser, presented the award.

"His contribution to the Foundation over many many years has been outstanding and his stewardship of the finances of the Foundation has contributed significantly to the growth and development of the Foundation over that period."

Mr Strack said he had no idea the award was headed his way.

"If you look at the people before me, there have been some superb people there. It was certainly a total surprise to me when they made the presentation. I was overawed."

The Lifetime Membership Award is a significant honour which has only been bestowed on 20 people since its inception in 1978. It recognises people who have dedicated years of their lives to the foundation and made a significant contribution to the fight against cardiovascular disease.

As a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte, Mr Strack began helping the Heart Foundation back in 1980.

"Deloitte in Christchurch used to do all the administration for the Heart Foundation's Canterbury Branch. We would write all their letters and funeral acknowledgments, I was effectively the secretary of the Canterbury Branch back then."

Before branches had designated premises, Mr Strack looked after the money flow and donations for the Canterbury Branch Committee. When Bryant Steel took up the national position of President in 1992, Mr Strack took the position of Treasurer.

"Mr Steel effectively retired from the position of Treasurer when he became President. Two Board members and the Executive Director interviewed me and I got the position. As Treasurer I was also on the board. I had a very very close relationship with the Executive Director, the Finance Manager and the Board."

In the early days, Mr Strack oversaw the money management of the Foundation and its financial position. He sat on the Board for 14 years and helped guide the direction of the Foundation. It took a huge amount of additional voluntary time, including attendance at all meetings and weekend events.

"I've put almost 25 years of effort into the Foundation involving a huge commitment in terms of voluntary time to the affairs of the Foundation, but I've loved it. So it hasn't been a problem. I've been only too pleased to have done what I've done over the years and hope I can continue to support the foundation."

For more information contact:

David Strack
Tel:      03-379-7010
Email: dstrack@deloitte.co.nz

David Maida
Tel:     09-571-9191 x 712
Mob:   021-040-3312