Fuel scheme prompts big response from volunteers

27 August 2008

Media Release

BP free fuel scheme prompts big response from volunteers

BP New Zealand says applications from volunteer groups wanting to take part in its free fuel voucher scheme look set to almost double this year.

BP’s “Vouchers for Volunteers” programme, now into its third year, offers thousands of free BP fuel vouchers to voluntary organisations as a way of thanking those who give up their time for unpaid community work.

Registered charities or organisations that rely on voluntary assistance and use vehicles to provide essential services have until the end of the month to apply to be considered for the programme.

Last year more than 1100 groups applied to take part in the BP Vouchers for Volunteers scheme with 317 volunteer organisations securing free vouchers.
Already this year almost 1600 organisations have asked to take part in the scheme and, with forms flooding in as the scheme cut-off date nears, BP New Zealand expects upwards of 2000 applications.

BP New Zealand assesses each application against the scheme’s goals of supporting volunteer groups performing social or community welfare functions.

BP New Zealand Managing Director Peter Griffiths says it is always difficult to ensure vouchers go to the most deserving cases and the job will be even harder this year given the huge response.

“Awareness of the scheme is obviously spreading fast and we recognise that increases in fuel prices over the past year have had a big impact on those volunteers who use vehicles to do their work.”

“We can’t control international oil prices but Vouchers for Volunteers is one way BP New Zealand can do our bit for some of the hundreds of organisations that work long hours to help others.”

Peter Griffiths says BP is delighted by the huge support for the scheme this year and successful applicants will be advised towards the end of September.

ENDS

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