24 December 2008
MEDIA RELEASE
SBS Golf Invitational to benefit SPCA
The Southland branch of the SPCA is the chosen charity to receive funds raised from the SBS Golf Invitational, which
tees off in Invercargill on 6 March 2009.
The 32nd annual tournament will hopefully again see all of New Zealand’s 15 provincial associations represented with the
event being officially recognised as the National Provincial Teams Stroke Play Championships by New Zealand Golf. This
makes the SBS Invitational compulsory for all amateur golfers wishing to play for New Zealand.
The charitable nature of the tournament also means that during the past 31 years more than $200,000 in total donations
has been made to Southland organisations with this year’s chosen charity being the SPCA. As in previous years Southland
Junior Golf will be the second beneficiary.
SBS Bank Invercargill branch manager Neil Bramley said as major sponsor of the Golf Invitational, SBS was delighted to
assist such a successful national event in giving back to the community.
“At SBS Bank we are committed to our charter and values and this commitment means that our customers and their
communities are at the heart of everything we do,” Mr Bramley said.
“It’s fantastic to see the ongoing success of the SBS Golf Invitational and its ability to not only pit southern golfing
talent against the cream of the national golfing crop, but provide goodwill and benefits back to worthwhile local
community organisations.”
Invitational secretary Kaye Leitch said being able to make such valued donations back to the community was an integral
component of the SBS Golf Invitational.
“These donations wouldn’t be possible without the continued support provided to the tournament from SBS Bank, we are
extremely grateful for the ongoing sponsorship,” Mrs Leitch said.
As is customary, the Charity 4-Ball Tournament will be held on the Wednesday prior to the Invitational (at Queens Park)
and is a great way for golfers to get involved early in the nationally recognised week of golf.
ENDS