Youth Charity Contributes To NZ Economy

MEDIA RELEASE 27 March 2013

Youth Charity Contributes To NZ Economy

Leading child and youth charity, the Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) has broken new ground with the launch of the Growing Great Futures - Whakatipu Tamariki Ora report this evening.

Launched at an event hosted at parliament by Minister for Social Development, Paula Bennett, this Infometrics report is a result of FYD’s move to provide evidence of their economic contribution to society. FYD is the first NZ charity to commission a report of this kind.

One of the key findings from the Infometrics report shows that every dollar invested in FYD programmes, Kiwi Can, Stars, Project K, and MYND has an average return to the New Zealand economy of $7.15. By comparison, the average benefit cost ratio of a ‘road of national significance’ is estimated to be 1.8.

FYD Chief Executive, Marion Short, says the charity is proud of the Infometrics report findings, which prove the value of investing in New Zealand youth.

“Part of the FYD strategy is to provide evidence of what we do, working,” says Short. “We wanted to quantify just how much we contribute to the New Zealand economy using a respected economic framework and a reputable research company. What Infometrics have produced is something we hope will be meaningful to government and our key stakeholders.

“The report reveals FYD programmes are likely to be cost effective interventions that will promote economic efficiency and reduce lifetime inequality,” says Short.

Minister for Social Development, Paula Bennett says; “I’ve worked alongside the Foundation for Youth Development for many years and I’m impressed with their passion, dedication, and motivation to make a difference for young people.”

FYD co-founder, Graeme Dingle is equally proud of the Infometrics report that was independently funded by The Graeme Dingle Foundation.

“I am immensely proud of the organisation and its programmes, it’s great to have an independent confirmation that the work we do is valued on many levels,” says Dingle. “I hope that funders and supporters will take note of what can be achieved with a collaborative approach for NZ youth.”

The executive summary of the Growing Great Futures - Whakatipu Tamariki Ora report will be available on the FYD website (www.fyd.org.nz) and a copy of the report can be requested.

--

About FYD:
The Foundation for Youth Development (FYD) is a child and youth charity founded by Graeme Dingle and Jo-anne Wilkinson in 1995 as the Project K Trust. FYD is now a leader in the field of child and youth development, running several successful proven programmes – Kiwi Can, Stars and Project K – across New Zealand and MYND in Auckland. In addition, they are trialling Career Navigator, a school based ready for work programme in Auckland.

These programmes use elements of the great outdoors, inspirational classroom leaders and world-class mentors to help kids, from age 5 to 18, keep on track, develop confidence and self-belief, set goals for the future, and contribute positively to society.

With New Zealand’s stunning outdoors and close-knit communities as the backdrop, FYD’s programmes build on young people’s talents through physical and mental challenges; developing core life skills and helping them achieve their potential.

FYD’s programmes are run across New Zealand by licensed community trusts, together reaching almost 18,000 young people every year.

Visit www.fyd.org.nz for more information.

ENDS

© Scoop Media