Long-time trustee of Borland Lodge John McHugh said he is confident the lodge will be able to survive through the quieter winter months after receiving donations from the community and having the ability to apply for the extended government wage subsidy – but more funds are still needed to guarantee its permanent safety. 

A month ago, Borland Lodge made an urgent plea for donations after being forced to close in March due to COVID-19 restrictions. As the lodge is a not-for-profit accommodation provider, it relies heavily on income generated through bookings to cover its operational costs.

It started a Givealittle page with a target of $35,000 and the page closed on Sunday night having raised almost $13,000 but Mr McHugh said donations were being made directly to the lodge. 

"With the Givealittle page and the funds we've received from private donors... we've raised approximately $28,000 and we've got more [donations] coming in," he said.

"It's very positive. We're not out of the woods yet but we're in a much better position than we were two months ago."

The lodge budgets for lower bookings from June to August but when it had to close its doors for April and most of May, it threw a big spanner in the works.

Mr McHugh said many of the private donations made directly to the lodge had come from various Rotary and Lions clubs throughout Southland; such as the Winton Lions Club, which donated $6000 last month. 

Mr McHugh said as donations were ongoing, he was still in the process of collating a full list of people to thank so, for now, he expressed his sincere gratitude to everyone. 

"We are very grateful for all donations... we had another $1000 just this morning," he said.

However, he urged the community to not let the foot of the gas early.

"Whilst the Givealittle page has run its time, the fundraising is not over to secure the future of Borland Lodge," he said. 

The funds would see the lodge through the winter, but more funds would need to be raised to keep Borland Lodge serving the Southland community for many years to come. 

He said one of the best ways to help for those note in a position to donate was to simply book a stay at the lodge and enjoy the wonders of Fiordland. 

"We're right on the doorstep of the largest national park of New Zealand... If you've been thinking of getting away, now's a great time to support us and see what we've got out here."

Borland Lodge has provided a unique opportunity for people wanting to experience the outdoors for around 50 years and has been extremely popular with hunters, trampers and especially Southland schools.

Mr McHugh said Southlanders and people from further abroad all hade their own "Borland Story" story or memory to share.