Lotto boss goes deaf for the day

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 9 July 2013

For immediate release

Lotto boss goes deaf for the day

Wayne Pickup, Chief Executive of Lotto New Zealand, is supporting The National Foundation for the Deaf and participating in The Silent Leadership Challenge on Friday 2 August. 

The nationwide event, The Silent Leadership Challenge, will see participants tackle three communication challenges in their own workplace and one at home, wearing bright yellow hearing protectors to simulate deafness.

The National Foundation for the Deaf is calling upon all leaders, influencers and media to get on-board and support The Silent Leadership Challenge by signing up and participating on the day. 

The purpose is to raise nationwide awareness on the need to prevent noise induced hearing loss, and funds for the Foundation’s prevention work and support for people with hearing impairment or deafness. 

“This is an important event that I’m proud to get behind”, says Mr Pickup.

“I’m looking forward to August 2, although losing my hearing for part of the day is going to be a big challenge for me.  The Foundation has made it easy to participate and I will be doing my best to top the fundraising chart!” 

To take part, leaders need to register online at www.silentleadershipchallenge.com and aim to raise funds by seeking sponsorship donations from people in their professional and social networks. 

The Foundation is delighted that Wayne is participating and urge more CEOs to follow his lead. 

“Hearing impairment affects many New Zealanders, and by getting involved CEOs will be showing they take the risk of noise injury seriously, and demonstrate a respect for the needs of hearing impaired staff and customers,” said The National Foundation for the Deaf CEO, Louise Carroll, who is also participating. 

“The Foundation is hugely grateful for the $48,390 received from Lotto New Zealand in 2011 and $50,000 received in 2012, which has enabled us to reach out to community members isolated by their hearing loss,” said Mrs Carroll.

In 2011 and 2012, forty-five Lotto New Zealand grants totalling over $730,000 were distributed to organisations working on behalf of deaf and hearing impaired New Zealanders. 

“These grants have been essential for the Foundation as we receive no Government assistance, and depend on individuals and the community to fund our vital work.”

The fundraising target for the inaugural Silent Leadership Challenge is $100,000.

The money raised will directly support the Foundation’s advocacy, support and prevention work. 

ENDS

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