Simplicity has become the first member of Lifeline’s ‘72 club’ launched yesterday, and is donating $72,000 to the
charity.
Simplicity Chief Executive Sam Stubbs said he was shocked to read that due to a shortage of donations, Lifeline fears
they are missing one in four phone calls from New Zealanders seeking help.
“This isn’t good enough. This year, New Zealand’s suicide rate is the highest it’s ever been, 1.7 x the road toll. As a
country, it’s our responsibility to turn this around. Lifeline is an essential service that we can’t do without. Every
month 10,000 Kiwis call for help from Lifeline, and for some, it’s their last chance,” said Mr Stubbs.
“Because Simplicity gives 15% of our management fees to charity, the Simplicity Charitable Trust has made a $72,000
donation to join Lifeline’s ‘The 72 Club’,” he said.
So far the Simplicity Charitable Trust has supported recognised New Zealand charities including the Graeme Dingle
Foundation, the Young Enterprise Trust, Auckland City Mission, the Salvation Army, the NeoNatal Trust and Melanoma New
Zealand.
“We’re delighted to come on board as the first responder to Lifeline’s 72 Club campaign and we encourage all other New
Zealand businesses to come on board with their support, especially those in the finance sector,” said Mr Stubbs.
“If you’re a company that believes all New Zealanders deserve to live long and happy lives, then please join us. Call
Lifeline’s Executive Director Glenda Schnell on 021 834 914 and pledge a donation, or donate online at the72club.co.nz