Over the next four weeks, Kiwis are expected to eat more than 380,000 lamingtons to raise money for Alzheimers New Zealand. From Monday 26 June to Sunday 23 July, 20 cents from each six pack of lamingtons purchased from Countdown will be donated to the charity.
Countdown and Elite Food Group, a Blenheim-based bakery with a personal connection to Alzheimers, have joined forces to keep the shelves stocked with lamingtons.
In total they will spend 1,260 hours mixing and baking, bake 128 batches of 3,000 lamingtons in each, use four tonnes of eggs and more than three tonnes of flour.
Elite Food Group general manager, Anthony Fisher, has recently had a family member diagnosed with Alzheimers, and says the cause is one that is close to his heart.
"My mum has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers, so I've got huge respect for the work Alzheimers New Zealand does," said Fisher. "We encourage people to purchase the lamingtons, enjoy a sweet treat and help support those living with Alzheimers."
Lamingtons traditionally come in raspberry and chocolate, but modern flavour twists are proving popular. Last year a zingy lemon variety was introduced to Countdown, and its popularity will see it return for a second year to raise funds to support the 62,287 New Zealanders who are currently living with dementia. Lamington lovers helped raise $16,000 for the cause last year.
"Our suppliers get behind many valuable causes within the community, and it's great that we are able to team up with Elite Food Group to create a treat and raise money at the same time," said Countdown's general manager corporate affairs, James Walker.
The lamingtons are part of Countdown's Price Lockdown programme.
