Harvey Norman, Australasia’s largest retailers of Furniture, Bedding, Computer and Electrical goods today announced a nationwide fundraising campaign in support of the New Zealand Paralympic Team heading to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games in September. The campaign will also build awareness and fundraise to assist Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) to invest into the Paralympians of tomorrow.
The retailer has become the latest blue chip brand to throw its might behind the Spirit of Gold® Initiative, an awareness and fundraising campaign launched by PNZ late last year. All 34 Harvey Norman stores in New Zealand and its four outlet stores will take part in the campaign, selling Spirit of Gold® pins and wristbands and taking donations at the till and on the Harvey Norman website. Harvey Norman will also involve its 2,000+ employees through an internal fundraising drive and will reach out to suppliers and partners for involvement. The campaign will be promoted widely through Harvey Norman’s advertising and marketing activity to encourage customers to get behind the Team.
Fiona Allan (Chief Executive, PNZ) said, “Paralympics New Zealand provides the support our Paralympians and Para-Athletes need to allow them to fulfil their goals whilst providing inspiration to the next generation. To have a brand like Harvey Norman get behind us, helping tell our story and raising funds through such a successful national network, is incredible. We could not be more grateful for their commitment to the Spirit of Gold® Initiative and to growing Para-Sport across New Zealand.“
Graeme Watt (General Manager, Electrical, Harvey Norman) said: “The Harvey Norman family is excited to be supporting our New Zealand Paralympians. Paralympics New Zealand’s Spirit of Gold® Initiative is a world class programme and our approx 2000 staff here in NZ are incredible at getting stuck in for a good cause. Their efforts combined with our normal advertising and website will be raising awareness for this great organisation whilst collecting donations, selling merchandise, begging our suppliers, holding bake off’s and hosting gala dinners to strive towards our fundraising target.“
Michael Johnson (Para-Shooting gold medallist and triple Paralympian, Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012): “If I am selected for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, this will be my fourth Games representing New Zealand. In my time, I have never before seen so much support from the business community. Thank you Harvey Norman for helping us to raise much needed funds to get us to Rio!“
Harvey Norman will run its Spirit of Gold® fundraising campaign through May and June 2016. Fans of the New Zealand Paralympic Team will be able to buy merchandise or make a donation in-store and online as they purchase their goods. For more information please visit: www.harveynorman.co.nz.
The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, which begin exactly 2.5 weeks after the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and take place in the exact same venues across Rio de Janeiro, take place from 7-18 September 2016. The Games are the world’s largest multi-sport event for disabled athletes; with over 4,350 athletes from 178 countries expected to compete in 22 sports, with 526 medal events taking place.
