Anchor Growing Communities Makes a Difference to Local Communities

Anchor Growing Communities is set to roll out nationwide after a successful trial period. The joint initiative between Anchor and supermarkets focuses on growing communities and letting local people decide where donated funds should be distributed.

Over a three month period, customers who visit their local participating PAK’nSAVE and New World supermarkets are given the choice of three local charities to donate to. When a shopper purchases Anchor Milk they will be given a token, which they then place in a specially designed Anchor Growing Communities box for the relevant cause they wanted to support. At the end of the period, the money is distributed proportionally according to the number of tokens each cause received.

“This initiative is all about locals supporting locals and making sure there are much needed funds for local organisations. We want to encourage shoppers to make a real difference to their local communities,” says Anchor spokesperson Helena Jannetta.

Anchor Growing Communities has just completed a three month trial in PAK’nSAVE and New World Supermarkets throughout New Zealand, where funds were donated to local concerns including charities, good causes, sports team and community based projects. Charities which took part in the trial ranged from schools, toy libraries, children’s hospitals to sports clubs.

According to Churton Park New World Store Owner Steve McLaughlin the initiative is a great way to contribute funds to local schools and causes in the area, and to get support from the local community.

Amesbury School is one of the grateful recipients and plans to use funds to replace sports equipment at the school.

“We were really thrilled with the support from the community and were grateful to be chosen. The money will go towards new tennis nets and soccer goals that will be used by the school and the local community,” says Principal Lesley Murrihy.

Following the successful trial, Anchor Growing Communities it is now set to roll-out nationwide in PAK’nSAVE and New World Supermarkets during 2012.

“It has been heartwarming to see such a large number of shoppers supporting their local charities” says Anchor spokesperson Helena Jannetta.

Interested participants in Anchor Growing Communities should email anchor@beat.net.nz

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