11 January 2002 News Update

ZUELLIG DONATES TO CHARITY

Troubled teenagers and battered women received a helping hand from Zuellig Pharma during the Christmas holidays. Instead of giving each of its pharmacy customers a Christmas gift, pharmacy's leading wholesaler donated $16,000 to worthy causes.

The company announced donations of $8000 to Project K and another $8000 to the National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges.

"We've been delighted by the supportive comments we've received from our pharmacy customers about this decision," said Zuellig Pharma chief executive Peter Merton.

"Anything the business community can do to help young people and families remain positive reflects on society as a whole. We want the ambulance to be at the top of the cliff, not the bottom."

Project K, founded by New Zealand adventurer Graeme Dingle, and Joanne Wilkinson, is a charitable trust. Fourth formers selected on the basis of low self esteem take part in a three-week wilderness adventure, followed by a project helping people in the community, and 12 months working with a mentor. More than 400 students have already been through the programme

The other organisation to receive $8000, the Women's Refuge, reaches peak workload over the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"This is a time when families are in close contact, and these situations can lead to violence," said refuge spokesperson Beverley Braybrook. "The women may decide to do something about their circumstances in the New Year, and that's when they seek our help."

The collective operates 51 refuges throughout New Zealand.

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