$195,000 Gifted to Canterbury Business Support Charity

Media Release, for immediate release, 21 December 2011

$195,000 Gifted to Local Business Support Charity

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust has received an early Christmas present – a $195,000 cheque from Armstrong Prestige.

The money is the proceeds from a Rev Up for Christchurch charity auction held earlier this year which featured a Mercedes-Benz CLS350 CDi, valued at $170,000. The car was donated by Mercedes-Benz New Zealand and Armstrong Prestige.

Canterbury Business Recovery Trust Executive Director Louise Edwards says the donation is very significant for the Trust and will make a real difference to Canterbury businesses.

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust was established after the Christchurch earthquakes to provide cash injections into viable but earthquake-affected businesses. To date the Trust has distributed $3.3 million to around 215 local businesses.

So far the Trust has received $5.1 million in donations - with today’s cheque taking that up to $5.3 million.

Louise Edwards says she is enormously grateful to Mercedes-Benz New Zealand and Armstrong Prestige for their support.

“This donation is going to make a huge difference to the Canterbury community. It will allow us to continue to provide a financial hand up to Canterbury businesses, many of whom are still struggling to overcome the challenges the earthquake has presented.

“It’s this kind of support from Mercedes-Benz NZ and Armstrong Prestige that is going to really help our business community get back on its feet, so we can have a vibrant and thriving business sector and a healthy future for our community,” says Ms Edwards.

Armstrong Prestige owner Rick Armstrong says the charity auction was an opportunity for them to stand alongside and support their fellow Canterbury businesses.

“The earthquake has taken a major toll on many businesses and the support the Trust is providing is crucial as it gives businesses a cash injection when they need it most. The Trust is doing a fantastic job, and we’re just delighted that we can be part of it,” says Mr Armstrong.

ENDS

About the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust was established after the Christchurch earthquake to help businesses survive, revive and thrive. The Trust is administered by Recover Canterbury and provides cash injections into strong but earthquake-affected businesses. 100% of the funds donated to the Trust go to supporting Christchurch businesses.

Some of the key expenses businesses are requesting funds for include business planning and development costs, costs associated with relocation and fit out, access to expert advice and assistance, marketing costs and bridging finance.

The Trustees of the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust are Bruce Irvine, Andrew Thorburn, Humphry Rolleston, Lady Adrienne Stewart and Sir John Anderson.

About Recover Canterbury

Recover Canterbury was established after the Christchurch earthquakes to accelerate business recovery and prepare businesses for future growth. It is a collaboration between the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce and the Canterbury Development Corporation, along with various government agencies involved in business support.

Recover Canterbury offers a wide range of services and resources to help businesses recover and revive, including advice, training and mentoring, referrals to professional services, assistance with business issues such as raising capital and access to the financial assistance provided through the Canterbury Business Recovery Trust.

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