New National Sponsor For Project K

Media Release 19 March 2008

3M Announced As New National Sponsor For Project K

Project K, a youth development programme for young New Zealanders is delighted to announce 3M as a new national sponsor in 2008.

While instantly recognised as a substantial international company, 3M also works hard at collaborating at a local level. They not only generate innovative solutions for their clients’ unique needs, but invest in local organisations and activities designed to make a positive difference to societal outcomes.

“3M is committed to helping local communities thrive and by supporting Project K, 3M can work towards making New Zealand an even better place to live,” says Terry Roper, 3M NZ Corporate Marketing Manager and IT Manager.

Project K founded in 1996 by Jo-anne Wilkinson and Graeme Dingle is a Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) programme that encourages 14 -15 year olds to reach their full potential.

Through a 14 month programme, consisting of a Wilderness Adventure, Community Challenge and Mentoring, students build self confidence and learn valuable life skills that point them in a positive direction for success.

Roper says: “providing practical and ingenious solutions is part of 3M’s proud heritage and since Project K is an innovative approach to helping young men and women develop life skills, both 3M and Project K are well aligned.

Like all Project K’s major sponsors, the association with 3M is not just about receiving a cheque. While 3M has given generous financial support for Project K, the intention is to foster a relationship whereby 3M employees can engage in the programme directly through Project K Mentor Training and Mentoring.

This has benefits for both organisations; increasing the pool of committed, trained Mentors for Project K, whilst developing and applying interpersonal skills for 3M employees.

Greg Brown, 3M NZ Managing Director says of the partnership: “3M is delighted to be a sponsor of Project K. Helping youth maximise their potential through Project K has generated a lot of interest among 3M employees and we are pleased to be able to support such a worthwhile activity.”

Project K and FYD look forward to harnessing 3M’s considerable marketing and distribution experience in promoting Project K through their products and offering 3M employees the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young New Zealanders in Project K.

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