Kmart stamps out bullies with Foundation for Youth Development partnership

23 July 2014 – Kmart has helped stamp out bullying quite literally, with active team members from stores across the country pounding the pavement on a ‘Big Walk’ for charity organisation Foundation for Youth Development (FYD), as part of Kmart New Zealand’s first major fundraising initiative since commencing the partnership.

Raising money for the charity through its team strolls - as well as hosting in store fashion events, raffle draws, wacky dress up days, and the classic gold coin donation barbecue among a host of activities – Kmart’s efforts will directly support the FYD’s Kiwi Can awareness campaign “Turning bullies into friends”.

The partnership between Kmart and the charity has so far seen a total of $22,000 raised by Kmart stores nationally, with standout operators Botany ($1,491), Hastings ($1,081), St Lukes ($1,320), Richmond ($1,143) and Papatoetoe/Head Office ($4,961) leading the donation charge.

The donation will go directly towards opening up the Kiwi Can program to a further 90 students in Kiwi Can schools. Currently 15,000 primary school-aged children are taught life skills and value lessons that foster respect and kindness through the Kiwi Can programme.

Marion Short, FYD CEO says, “Kmart is a great partner for FYD as we share similar values and vision to help grow more Great Kiwi Kids. Kiwi Can helps students to develop the tools and skills they need to make good decisions to overcome bullying. FYD want to be in more schools around NZ reaching more Kiwi kids and to do this we need the support of partners such as Kmart.”

Kmart New Zealand manager Sue Smith says, “Bullying at any age is simply not acceptable and to think that it affects 45,000 Kiwi kids each week is concerning. We admire FYD’s commitment to early intervention and are proud to play our part in fostering positive interactions in the schoolyard and beyond.”

Kmart New Zealand has an ongoing partnership with the Foundation for Youth Development and will continue the charity’s quest to help kids develop confidence and make positive choices throughout the year. Customers can get involved by donating to coin boxes at each store counter and via store registers that support FYD’s wider programmes or go to www.fyd.org.nz/bullying.

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