Nominate for community contribution award

If you know a business or business person who selflessly contributes to the local community, the Manukau Community Foundation urges you to nominate that company for a special award at the Westpac Manukau Business Excellence Awards.

This Award relies on members of the public making nominations, and it’s a superb opportunity to recognise those businesses or business people who make a real difference to our community, day in, day out.

Last year’s winner was Progressive Enterprises, who own and operate 150 Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown stores nationwide. The company had wide-ranging community and fund-raising programmes, benefiting young and old alike.

“While it’s great to see such large-scale and wide-ranging contributions, such as those made by Progressive Enterprises, this Award is about recognising all heart-felt contributions made by a business or business person – no matter how large or small,” Manukau Community Foundation Chairman Steve Chaney said.

“We’d love to hear stories about financial support for community projects and causes; good corporate citizenship through the development of mutually beneficial partnerships with local community stakeholders; or business and employment practices which support people who have had difficulty gaining employment. 

“Nominating for this Award not only recognises positive practices, but it also encourages other companies to do so. Stories of generosity or thoughtfulness tend to inspire others and create even more positive contributions.”

Any member of the public can make a nomination by completing a one-page form, which is available online at www.bizawards.co.nz or by phoning Enterprising Manukau on 09 262 2244, before 1 July 2010.

Manukau Community Foundation brings together companies and private individuals who wish to make philanthropic donations and matches them to worthy causes in the area. It is also building an endowment fund from donations that will become a permanent financial resource with grants being made from interest earned.