Foodstuffs NZ managing director, Steve Anderson says, "The store
owner-operators in the South Island and their teams have really
pulled together. Our job is to feed New Zealand and our staff are
working around the clock to ensure shelves are stocked and our
usual product ranges are available to local communities in need.
This is a fantastic example of Kiwis helping Kiwis."
The response to the fundraising drive for The Red Cross has
already demonstrated the generosity of New Zealanders; the first
customer who made a donation through New World Gate Pa in Tauranga
contributed an incredible $500 to the appeal.
As well as facilitating the Red Cross collection in their
stores, owner operators who are not directly impacted are coming up
with additional ways to support their colleagues and
customers. For instance Taumarunui New World has organised a
charity walk next Sunday 6th March to raise funds for
the appeal. Individual owner-operators are making significant
donations to the appeal and some have committed to match dollar for
dollar what they collect in their stores.
"I have been advised that several owner-operators have offered
to send volunteer staff members to work in the Christchurch stores
to give their colleagues a break. Many have made offers of
accommodation for displaced staff and their family members. I
was blown away to hear that some staff members have even offered to
give up their salaries to help those affected," says Mr
Anderson.
The Foodstuffs (South Island) Community Trust has pledged to
donate $100,000 to help those who have been adversely affected by
the earthquake. In addition, the three Foodstuffs companies
(Auckland, Wellington and South Island) have agreed to top this up
by donating an additional $100,000, bringing the total available
for donation by the Foodstuffs (South Island) Community Trust to
$200,000.
"On behalf of Foodstuffs I would like to extend our thoughts and
deepest sympathies to the people of the Christchurch region during
this terrible time. As a business we are committed to doing
everything possible to support them as they struggle to deal with
the devastation caused by this earthquake" says Mr Anderson.
The Foodstuffs South Island team is continuing with their
efforts to ensure all supermarkets are operational as soon as
possible and the business is investing considerably to ensure this
happens quickly.
To donate to the Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal, shoppers can
simply advise their check out operator of the value that they would
like to donate. One hundred per cent of the amount donated will be
given to the Red Cross for the people of Canterbury. The media and
the public will be alerted as soon as the Foodstuffs South Island
stores are in a position to implement this donation process.
People can also donate via the 'New Zealand Red Cross 2011
Earthquake Appeal' online at www.redcross.org.nz/donate
or:
- Via internet banking to the 'Special Appeals' ASB bank account
12-3192-0015998-02
- Or by cheque to: New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal,
Freepost 232690, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144