Voting for Z Energy’s flagship community programme, Good in the Hood, opens next week, giving customers the chance to help direct a share of NZD one million to community groups.
Now in its 14th year and to mark the start of voting, Z has shared the stories of three Taranaki organisations that took part in Good in the Hood last year and are making a meaningful difference in their communities every day.
Z's GM of Corporate Affairs, Haley Mortimer, said the stories highlighted the real impact community support can have.
“Every orange token is a simple way for customers to back the people and organisations making a difference in their communities. Good in the Hood helps local groups raise awareness of the work they do, while providing funding that can help them continue supporting the people who rely on them,” said Mortimer.
One of those organisations is Horses Helping Humans, which supports youth to build confidence, resilience and life skills through equine-assisted learning programmes.
Founder Laura Menzies said Good in the Hood has created opportunities that go beyond financial support.
"When the ponies visited our local Z station during voting, it gave us the chance to meet people in the community and share what we do. Through those conversations we've received referrals from other organisations and support that has helped more rangatahi access our programmes," said Menzies.
For Nicky Kuklinski from the Inglewood Volunteer Fire Brigade, the programme provided a simple way for local people to support the service’s volunteers.
“The community knows that we’re only volunteers, so even when they can’t support us with their own money, they’re able to do so by putting their token in our container, which is just fantastic,” said Kuklinski.
Food rescue organisation On the House has also seen the benefits. General Manager Terry Hancock said the funding helped keep their service running while also creating valuable connections with other community groups.
“The support we get means a lot. It keeps our transport running, and our ability to collect and distribute food humming,” said Hancock.
From the 18th of August to the 21st of September, customers visiting participating Z stations can vote for one of four local community groups selected by their service station. Each participating Z station will give away NZD 5,000 in total, split between the four non-profit organisations and community groups they have selected.
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