What do you get when you mix a glass of wine or a good coffee with a big heart for helping others? You get Sally’s Angels, a group of Tauranga women who have turned friendship into one of the region’s most inspiring forces for good.

This year, Sally’s Angels are celebrating more than 10 years of giving back to the Western Bay of Plenty through the Acorn Foundation. In that time, this small-but-mighty group has donated more than $100,000 to local charities and community organisations – simply by pooling a little each month and fundraising for causes that need a lift.

“We’re all like-minded women who want to do something positive for our community,” said founder Sally Morrison. “The beauty of this group is its simplicity – we each contribute a modest amount and when you put that together over time, the impact is just incredible.”

And yes, they make it fun to be an Angel – often catching up at a local cafe or over a glass of wine at home.

Several times a year, the Angels meet to learn about local organisations making a difference. They also work with Acorn to tap into insights from Vital Update: Tauranga, a wellbeing survey developed with TECT, BayTrust, and Tauranga City Council. This helps them identify the most pressing needs and direct their giving where it will have the most impact.

This year, Sally’s Angels supported BOP Youth Development Trust and UOKBRO, continuing their tradition of backing causes that make life better across the Western Bay. Over the years, their giving has reached a range of initiatives, from food banks and community kitchens to organisations helping vulnerable whānau, youth development and mental wellbeing.

Matty Nicholson, Acorn Foundation’s corporate and community giving specialist, says Sally’s Angels show that small actions create big change.

“Most people think $50 a month won’t matter, but when you pool it together, it changes everything. That’s what these Angels have done – they’ve made a huge impact on our community.”

Giving circles such as Sally’s Angels are part of a growing movement, with more than 2500 worldwide. Simple and flexible, they’re often friends who want to do good in their backyard. Through community foundations such as Acorn, this model is gaining momentum in New Zealand and showing that giving together goes further.

After 10 years of generosity, these Angels aren’t hanging up their halos just yet. Their next chapter is about finding new ways to make life better in the Western Bay – and if the past decade is anything to go by, the sky’s the limit.