Several frontline community charities the length of New Zealand are supporting a greater number of New Zealanders manage the effects of Covid-19 thanks to the ingenuity and community spirit of Shimano New Zealand Ltd.

When United Way New Zealand launched our #Unite20 campaign in April to get emergency funding directly to community charities managing a surge in demand for services alongside a reduction in funding channels, Shimano New Zealand stepped up with an exciting proposal. In the spirit of Kiwi mateship and ingenuity, the team decided to donate 5% of all sales across the country during May and June to the #Unite20 Appeal. Just like that, Shimano’s Support your Local initiative was quickly launched.

United Way New Zealand CEO, Teresa Moore says Support Your Local represented everything United Way New Zealand stands for.

“United Way New Zealand’s vision is to provide every New Zealander with the ability to support their community, whether through volunteering, regular payroll giving or one-off donations. By designing a giving initiative including its national customer and stakeholder community, Shimano truly brought our vision to life.”

Shimano New Zealand Marketing Manager, Yvette Johnson, said the team was inspired by United Way New Zealand’s #Unite20 campaign as it directed funding quickly into many frontline community charities across the country.

“We’re a business which operates in communities of all sizes across New Zealand. We were pleased to find a partner with a firm track record in the community sector, which could get funding to the smaller charities working in communities all over the country.”

Shimano’s funding has been distributed to charities and not-for-profits supporting struggling New Zealanders from Kaitaia to Dunedin.

“Our research showed that 98% of New Zealand charities and not-for-profits have been affected by Covid-19. Thanks to the generosity of both individuals and corporate partners such as Shimano, we have raised over $240,000 which is enabling community charities all across the country to continue their critical work at a time when our communities need them the most,”

“Small actions when combined together result in very significant impacts,” says Moore.

The United Way New Zealand #Unite 20 Appeal has been extended until November. If you’d like to join those helping community charities support New Zealanders doing it tough, you can read about the charities and donate here.