Cash for New Zealand Charities

Monday 12 November, 2001

Cash for New Zealand Charities

More than $280,000 was raised for more than 500 New Zealand charities and community groups at last night’s Westfield Works Wonders charity shopping event, held simultaneously at nine Westfield Shoppingtowns across New Zealand.

Thousands of shoppers paid $6 to participating charities to attend the evening of shopping with special store discounts, major prize draws and entertainment.

Held in conjunction with Variety – The Children’s Charity, Variety received $1 for every ticket sold to donate to needy children while the participating charities received $5.00. Benefiting charities included Crippled Children Society, Tough Love, Life Education Trust, Women’s Refuge, Plunket, Age Concern, and hundreds more.

Westfield New Zealand Director John Widdup said: “The event was a great success and we thank Variety, all of the sponsors, our retailers, participating charities and shoppers for supporting this event.

“Our Shoppingtowns are an integral part of their respective communities and we are delighted to be able to provide these Centres to help raise funds for local communities.”

Executive Director of Variety – The Children’s Charity, Dr Nicole Bassett said: “We are thrilled to be able to be involved with an event such as this that assists so many charities. The funds raised will benefit many groups that help to make a significant difference to the lives of hundreds of children throughout New Zealand.”

The Patrons for Westfield Works Wonders are Sir Edmund Hillary and Hon. Roger McClay, the Commissioner for Children.

Mr McClay, who attended at Westfield Shoppingtown Queensgate in Lower Hutt said: “This was my first experience of Westfield Works Wonders and I was very impressed with the fantastic atmosphere. This is a unique concept where people have lots of fun while helping their local communities - and especially charities that involve the children of New Zealand.”

The event was held at Westfield’s nine Shoppingtowns in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch.

Final night totals from the Centers were:

St Lukes
Raised over $39,000
Number of Charities 48 participated

Glenfield
Raised over $35,000
Number of Charities 42 participated

Pakuranga
Raised over $25,000
Number of Charities 41 participated

WestCity
Raised over $35,000
Number of Charities 84 participated

Queensgate
Raised over $38,000
Number of Charities 62 participated

ShoreCity
Raised over $22,000
Number of Charities 36 participated

Riccarton
Raised over $33,000
Number of Charities 69 participated

Chartwell
Raised over $18,000
Number of Charities 66 participated

Manukau
Raised over $38,000
Number of Charities 46 participated

Ends

For more information please contact:
Sue Warren
National Manager Communications
Westfield (New Zealand) Limited
Email: sue.warren@westfield.co.nz
Tel: 09 978 5050
Mob: 021 421301

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