Ford receives international variety award

For immediate release

1 June 2007

Ford New Zealand receives international variety award

Ford Motor Company of New Zealand has received an international award recognizing its commitment and support to Variety – The Children’s Charity in New Zealand.

Ford was the recipient of the 2006 Variety International Corporate Support Award presented in Palm Springs last week at the charity’s annual international convention.

Variety New Zealand President, Pam Fauvel congratulated Ford New Zealand and said its support for Variety is exceptional.

“The Ford Management team and staff professionally and personally put their heart and soul into helping Variety help New Zealand’s kids. As a long term supporter of Variety, Ford has helped make a difference in the lives of New Zealand children for sixteen years – this is not a fleeting sponsorship but one that has evolved into a corporate/charity relationship which is beneficial to both parties. Ford is extremely worthy of the 2006 Variety International Corporate Support Award,” said Ms Fauvel.

Ford New Zealand’s sponsorship includes support for the Variety Sunshine Coach programme, a key component of Variety grant’s programme. To date there are 93 Variety Sunshine Coaches on New Zealand roads (Ford Econovan or Transit vans) transporting thousands of children to schools, therapy and community outings.

In addition, Ford is one of the major sponsors of the annual Variety Bash, provides vehicles for use by key Variety staff, public relations support, has staff involvement in community projects and supports Variety fundraising events such as the Ford Fitzy Golf Classic.

Ford New Zealand Managing Director, Richard Matheson says that Ford has a long and proud relationship with Variety New Zealand.

“As a sponsor of Variety and the New Zealand Variety Bash, Ford receives numerous benefits from its association with Variety, the most rewarding of which are the smiles on the faces of the children visited by the Variety Bash. The 'Bash', provides Ford with a unique corporate citizenship strategy that involves staff, dealers and customers, while reaching and benefiting disadvantaged children and their families throughout New Zealand.

The distinctive Ford 'Rat Pack' Mark III Zephyr is a favourite at the schools and communities that the Bash visits.

“It is also gratifying to sponsor Variety’s Sunshine Coach Programme, helping ensure these much-needed vehicles are available to schools and community groups around the country.

“We are fortunate to be one of many passionate sponsors of Variety New Zealand and are honoured that Variety New Zealand saw it fit to nominate us for this award,” said Mr Matheson.

Variety New Zealand will host for the 2008 Variety International Convention to be held 11-14 May 2008 at the SKYCITY Convention Centre, Auckland.

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