Prime Minister Recognises Business 'Social Heroes'

Prime Minister Recognises Business 'Social Heroes'

Businesses who have continued to support and innovate to address key NZ social issues and charities have been recognised at the 4th annual Robin Hood Social Hero Awards.

Cut-backs and belt-tightening haven’t prevented leading businesses and their non-profit partners from helping address some of NZ’s most pressing social issues.

Healthcare, volunteering, education & development, and at-risk youth are all in the spotlight for NZ corporates determined to make a positive difference and the 4th Robin Hood Social Hero Awards have recognised this.

The overall winner, the Prime Minster’s Social Hero Award, was presented by John Key in Auckland on Friday night and went to the Starship Mobile Phone Appeal – a notable collaboration between fierce competitors in the mobile industry: Telecom, Vodafone, TelstraClear and 2degrees.

This programme has seen big business put their differences aside and make a real difference for Kiwi kids who need help. It is one of many examples of how the local business community contributes to helping New Zealanders through financial support, skills transfer and social innovation.

The 2010 Robin Hood Social Hero Awards in numbers. Businesses and their non-profit partnership recognised this year achieved:

• $1.5million for air rescue services for sick children

• 7,000 families receiving free legal advice

• 10,000 people trained to save lives through CPR

• $7million of software for charities

• 500 families dealing with blood cancers supported

• 4000,000 counseiing calls for young people

• 45,000 students exposed to the wonders of science

• 30 years of commitment to helping Otara youth

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