BNI SME members raise record $129,000 for Hospices around New Zealand

Cabarets, handmade playhouse raffles and golf days to casino nights and gold coin collections were just some of the methods used by small and medium businesses to raise $129,000 for hospices in New Zealand last year.

In spite of difficult economic conditions, including the Christchurch earthquakes, member businesses of BNI New Zealand from Invercargill (and Christchurch) to The Bay of Islands haveworked industriously over the past 12 months to make a positive contribution to their communities in raising the biggest sum yet donated by BNI to Hospice.

BNI National Director of BNI New Zealand, Graham Southwell, said that as a business networking and referral organisation, BNI New Zealand’s philosophy of ‘Givers Gain’ was about businesses helping businesses to be more successful -- but helping their local communities has become a natural extension of the ‘Givers Gain’ philosophy.

“Member businesses understand that strong businesses needs strong communities and that investing in your community is an investment in your business. The money raised by each chapter actually goes directly to their local hospice. It’s a great way to build strong local ties,” he said.

Chairman of Hospice New Zealand, Wilf Marley, said the army of BNI members working to raise money for Hospices in their communities was an inspiration.

“We are very grateful for your support and highly value our partnership with BNI. Thank you all so much.”

In addition, small business owners countrywide mobilised – through social media -- to help earthquake affected Cantabrians through various fundraising activities, including variety shows and the donation of services, accommodation, equipment and storage.

BNI Chapter donations to Christchurch totalled more than $62,294.00. Although some donations were made by BNI members in their individual capacity, many chapters also benefited from pulling together as a team to generate funds by organising charity events.

Included in the total, BNI New Zealand donated $5,000 and the BNI Misner Charitable Foundation stepped up to help with a $14,000 donation to the New Zealand Red Cross.

About BNI

BNI is New Zealand’s largest structured business referral organisation for small to medium businesses, and is based on the principal of ‘givers gain’. The organisation has 128 chapters countrywide – from Invercargill to Whangarei – and more than 2,800 members who attend weekly breakfast meetings to pass business referrals to each other.

See www.bni.co.nz for more information