Barnardos NZ Receives $1.4 Million Donation

Barnardos New Zealand Receives $1.4 Million Donation

Total Microsoft donations eclipse $5.5 million

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – 15 September, 2009 – Microsoft yesterday announced a $1.4 million donation of software to Barnardos New Zealand at a special event held at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Microsoft Corporation Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell made the announcement before more than 150 guests which included Prime Minister John Key and Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast.

Microsoft New Zealand has donated more than $5.5 million in software and funding to 288 non-profit organisations throughout the country in the past 12 months. This is primarily through the TechSoup programme ($3.25 million), which helps non-profit organisations access technology, and which recently celebrated its first anniversary of partnership with Microsoft in New Zealand.

Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand Murray Edridge, says technology has an important role to play in increasing effectiveness in the non-profit sector and the delivery of core community services.

“This donation will enable us to use a range of IT resources and support to most effectively serve the children, parents and their families that need us the most.”

Chris Liddell says the donation to his native New Zealand is emblematic of Microsoft Corporation’s wider philanthropic focus.
“Bill Gates himself impressed upon our company the value of giving back to the communities we serve,” says Liddell. “Tonight is not only about new opportunities available to Barnardos but opportunities open to all New Zealanders through successful partnerships to deliver social and economic benefit to our country.”

“Microsoft globally is committed to working in partnership with the government and non-profit organisations to help enable social and economic transformation. We firmly believe everyone should have access to technology and all the benefits it brings. Innovation, in particular, can have a significant social and public impact.”

Also attending the special function was Tina Reid, executive director of the National Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations. Said Reid:
“This event is an example of how partnerships are supposed to work. Private and public organisations are both under pressure to do more with the funds available, and the fact is that without IT support, voluntary organisations would be far less effective in delivering services.”
Led by Microsoft New Zealand Country Manager Kevin Ackhurst, the event served as a long-distance conclusion to the first day of TechEd, New Zealand’s largest trade show for the IT sector. Sponsored by Microsoft and held in Auckland, the event annually draws more than 2,000 attendees.

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