A major supermarket chain has decided to strengthen its support for RainbowYOUTH, to fundraise NZD 100,000 for the organisation to continue its work supporting queer, gender-diverse and intersex youth.
Countdown, the longtime supporter of RainbowYOUTH, shared that the fundraiser was part of the supermarket’s ongoing commitment to the Rainbow community in New Zealand.
Spencer Sonn, Countdown’s Managing Director, stated that the 22,000-strong Countdown team were excited to get behind RainbowYOUTH’s important work with fundraising this week.
Sonn shared that Countdown has been proud to have supported RainbowYOUTH for a few years now, and the supermarket hoped customers would get involved by rounding up in-store purchases.
“We understand that not everyone can donate, but every little bit does add up. To kick things off, we’ll also be chipping in NZD 20,000.”
The Managing Director further stated that celebrating Countdown's incredible diversity within its teams and communities was a priority.
“We want anyone who walks through our doors at any time of year to feel included and welcome. We work with organisations like Rainbow Tick and RainbowYOUTH to hold ourselves accountable to this commitment.”
Pooja Subramanian, Executive Director at RainbowYOUTH, explained that the partnership with Countdown gave the organisation vital funds each year.
Subramanian shared that the partnership with the supermarket raised close to NZD 100,000 last year and had helped the organisation continue to provide support, information, and resources to more than 550 rainbow young people across Aotearoa.
“We are excited to work with them again in 2023, and every dollar helps,” said Subramanian.
Customers can donate to RainbowYOUTH at any Countdown store from today until 23 April by choosing to round up their total to the nearest dollar at the checkout.
Countdown is a Rainbow Tick-accredited organisation, and as one of New Zealand’s largest employers, it is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. This year, in addition to helping support RainbowYOUTH, Countdown has sponsored NZD 8,000 in scholarships through the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust.
Furthermore, the supermarket has donated NZD 5,000 to Auckland Pride and sponsored the Tauranga Moana Pride Picnic, in addition to also supporting volunteers at Big Gay Out and Rainbow Parade with snacks and drinks.
