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Media CentrePress Release: 1st November 2007Vodafone New Zealand Foundation finds strength in diversity - Record number of Kiwis awarded World of Difference grants - A former All Black, a motivational speaker, and a former gang member have made the list of recipients for this year’s Vodafone New Zealand Foundation World of Difference programme, lining up with another six Kiwis who are committed to helping, mentoring and inspiring our youth. It’s new ground for the unique programme, which has traditionally limited the number of recipients to six. Foundation Chair Andrea Midgen says the record number of recipients reflected the quality and commitment of the entrants this year, all of whom already had a proven track record with their respective non-profit organisations. "It was a tough ask selecting only nine to be honest. Each story was truly inspiring in its own right, and each individual made a strong argument for supporting their cause. Ultimately we believe the nine successful recipients will encourage healthy outcomes and enrich the lives of young people." Midgen says the additional investment reflects the Foundation’s commitment to provide deserving individuals with the financial freedom to devote their time to youth-related cause for a year. The Foundation pays the salary and expenses of each recipient for 12 months. "World of Difference is now in its sixth year, and we have borne witness to the profound influence that 23 dedicated individuals have had on our youth over the past five years. We’re very excited to see the outcomes of these nine passionate people."
Former All Black Frank Bunce, New Zealand’s most capped test centre, believes his profile will help open doors and make a difference to the Manukau Community Foundation, assisting to build a bridge between private donors and youth development programmes in South Auckland. "As a youth funding advocate I hope to touch the lives of a significant number of people and motivate them to lend their financial support for youth programmes in Manukau. I’m from South Auckland so I know the deal. I want to see good things happen to the young people there." Veronica Marwitz will continue developing the Rape Prevention Education’s (RPE) BodySafe programme, a sexual violence prevention programme for young people. BodySafe, aimed at 13-18 year old males and females, is delivered in schools, alternative education programmes and community groups throughout Auckland. "Sexual violence is a huge problem in New Zealand and I believe every young person needs to understand what happens to their body should be in their control. I want to ensure our rangitahi are receiving the most effective sexual violence prevention possible." As a former member of the Porirua Mongrel Mob, Fa’amatuainu Wayne Poutoa can identify with youth at risk. Today, he is a Samoan High Chief with a Diploma in Social Work, a Degree in Bicultural Practice and is enrolled in a Masters in Social Science Research at Victoria University in Wellington. Wayne’s aim is to create a Youth Services Department within the Maraeroa Marae Health Clinic, stemming from the Streets Ahead 237 youth committee. Wayne has managed to establish and maintain relationships with youth gangs in the Porirua region and is committed to providing alternatives to gang life. The message promoted through this community initiative is "Brothers not Colours". "Streets Ahead 237 has fashioned a way that showcases the communities’ ability to meet the demand of young people at risk" Each of the nine recipients will start their World of Difference year early in 2008. - ENDS - The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation (VNZF) is a charitable trust established in New Zealand and funded by donations from Vodafone New Zealand Limited and the Vodafone Group Foundation (www.vodafonefoundation.org). |
