Beverage Industry Supports People With Leukaemia

Beverage industry joins forces to support people with Leukaemia

They may compete ferociously in the marketplace but New Zealand beverage manufacturers and their suppliers know when to get together and support a good cause.

This week a representative of Dysart Beverages who make the Arano juice brand will be venturing onto enemy ground to join 15 Coca-Cola staff as part of the Shave for a Cure® fundraising programme run by the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF).

Other members of the New Zealand Juice and Beverage Association (NZJBA) are supporting the cause by sponsoring the ‘shavees’.

According to NZJBA Chief Executive Bronwen Bartley, the event provides a new opportunity for the industry to make a contribution to a very worthy cause.

“Many of our members support charities and projects around New Zealand, but it’s the first time we’ve seen our industry joining forces to make a difference,” she said.

NZJBA Executive board members Chris Tollemache of Dysart Beverages, Alison Sykora of Coca-Cola Oceania and Damian Honiss of RD2 are among the ‘shavees’ who will lose their locks on Thursday 18th November.

Shave for a Cure® is the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation’s signature fundraising event to support people diagnosed with leukaemia.

According to Pru Etcheverry corporate support of the event is allowing the LBF to assist people throughout New Zealand.

“Four New Zealand children and adults are diagnosed with leukaemia or a related blood condition each day and assistance from companies such as Coke, Dysart Beverages and other industry sponsors is essential for the work we are doing to support these people as we do not receive government funding,” said Pru Etcheverry, Leukaemia & Blood Foundation Executive Director.

Companies who are sponsoring their efforts include Sensient Technologies, Frucor., Corporate Water Brands and Danisco, ENZAFOODS, Belletech, and Alto Plastics. ends For further information, please contact: Bronwen Bartley, Executive Director, NZJBA (09) 537 6046 bronb@ihug.co.nz

The New Zealand Juice & Beverage Association (NZJBA) represents the manufacturers of New Zealand's juice, carbonated soft drink and bottled water brands, and their suppliers. The NZJBA acts as a forum to discuss issues of concern and interest to the industry, as a lobby group, and as an advocate for consumer education on health & nutrition issues. For more information visit www.njzba.co.nz

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