Community to benefit through new gaming partnership

A strategic alliance recently announced between Ashburton Charitable Trust Foundation and The Lion Foundation is set to benefit the greater Ashburton region.

Under the agreement, The Lion Foundation will take over the complete management and running of Ashburton Charitable Trust Foundation’s gaming operation. The trustees of the Ashburton Charitable Trust Foundation (ACTF) will continue to manage the distribution of gaming funds to community groups.

The Lion Foundation is one of New Zealand’s most longstanding and recognised charitable trusts, with more than 24 years’ expertise in running gaming venues across the country.

ACTF Chairman Alister Lilley says the agreement presents a win-win for both the Trust and the community groups who benefit through the funding process.

“This represents a very significant and exciting development for the Ashburton Charitable Trust Foundation. By partnering with The Lion Foundation, our gaming operation will be managed by an industry leader with specialist expertise – leaving myself and fellow trustees to focus on the distribution of funds back to Ashburton’s community groups.

“ACTF will benefit from The Lion Foundation’s proven systems, processes and expertise in running gaming operations. Through enhanced performance, we are confident this will ultimately mean we can grow returns to the Ashburton community – and we’re very excited at that prospect,” he says.

“We have been in discussions for some time with The Lion Foundation and this is a great result for the community of Ashburton.”

The Lion Foundation Chairman Mike Smith adds: “The trustees of ACTF are focused on providing the best outcome for the community and as such, this decision has been a long and considered one. We are thrilled they have chosen to partner with The Lion Foundation and look forward to working together to maximise the funds returned to the Ashburton community.”

The Lion Foundation is expected to assume management of the Trust’s five outlets and 75 machines in January. The venues will undergo some remodeling and will display dual branding representing both The Lion Foundation and ACTF.

The ACTF last year returned around $1 million to community groups in the Ashburton region.