Countdown in the Community
No industry touches more people in the community than supermarkets. Being so intimately involved with our communities, we are passionate about supporting causes that matter to them.
Our stores play an active role in their local communities, supporting community groups and charities through various fundraising activities and campaigns.
The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal (formerly the Fresh Future Children’s Hospital Appeal) celebrated its sixth year in 2012 and $1.22 million raised. It has been 4 years since $1 million has been raised in a year and this adds to the total of over $4.5 million dollars that has been donated in the last five years. Through fundraising organised by staff across the country, we are able to present 10 children’s hospitals and wards around New Zealand with cheques totalling more than $1.22 million. For more info click here
Countdown had been donating food to local charities on an adhoc basis for some time. In 2011 we put a formal structure in place, partnering with the Salvation Army to launch Countdown Food Rescue. This nationwide programme ensures that food that can’t be sold but is still fit for consumption is put to good use. For more info click here
Countdown is a long-time supporter of the work. The Salvation Army does. In 2012, we once again stepped in to support The Salvation Army’s annual Red Shield Appeal, and through Countdown Food Rescue we support over 110 of the Salvation Army’s local foodbanks across the country. For more info click here
Countdown has proudly sponsored Zealand’s largest charity golf day for the past nine years. In 2012, 300 golfers gathered to raise $153,000 for Alzheimers Auckland. Funds raised from the annual charity golf day help Alzheimers Auckland to provide free services for people with dementia and their carers. For more info click here
Countdown has supported Maori Language Week since 2010 and has actively encouraged New
Zealanders to embrace Te Reo in their everyday shopping. In June 2011 our Tokoroa store became the first with both English and Maori translations in every department. This was so successful that Countdown has since implemented Maori category translations in every new store. For more info click here
Countdown is a proud sponsor of the New Zealander of the Year Awards. In this way, we celebrate and honour those New Zealanders aged 60 years and over who make a great contribution to their communities and our country. For more info click here
