Bakers to spend 1,200 hours baking lamingtons for Charity

Bakers to spend 1,200 hours baking lamingtons for Alzheimer’s Appeal

Countdown stores across New Zealand supporting the
Alzheimer’s New Zealand Annual Appeal

28 June, 2016: Bakers will soon be working around the clock to bake more than 60,000 packets of lamingtons for the annual Alzheimer’s Appeal.

From today until 22 July, Kiwis can support the Alzheimer’s Appeal by purchasing a six pack of lamingtons from Countdown, with 20 cents from each sale donated to Alzheimer’s New Zealand. Between Friday 1 July and Sunday 3 July, Alzheimer’s Auckland volunteers will also be collecting outside Countdown stores across Auckland.

Funds raised support those caring for people living with dementia. Last year the support of Countdown customers raised $48,000 for the appeal.

The baking team at Southern Kitchen, a family-operated Countdown lamington supplier, is behind the monumental baking effort.

To bake more than 60,000 packets of lamingtons the team will:
Spend 1,260 hours mixing and baking
Make 128 batches in total
Use four tonnes of eggs and more than three tonnes of flour

In addition to the ever popular chocolate and raspberry flavours, this year Countdown will have new zingy lemon lamingtons available for the first time. All flavours are part of Countdown’s Price Lockdown programme, just $4 each or two for $7 every day.

Southern Kitchen General Manager Anthony Fisher says it’s a big effort, but one the team is eager to get behind.

“We’re proud to support such a worthwhile cause, and one that affects thousands of Kiwis. The fact that we can help by doing what we love most, baking delicious sweet treats, is the cherry on top.”

Alzheimer’s Auckland Chief Executive Rod Perkins the Alzheimer’s Appeal is a significant fundraiser for the organisation.

“Donations from the Alzheimer’s Appeal help us to provide intensive support and practical strategies for the carers of people with dementia,” Mr Perkins says.

Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, James Walker, says the appeal is a delicious way for customers to enjoy a sweet treat while helping a great cause.

“We encourage people to donate in store, or pick up a pack of lamingtons and share them with friends and family, all in the name of supporting the hard working volunteers and carers who support those with dementia,” says Mr Walker.

Dementia is one of the most significant and growing healthcare challenges in New Zealand today. One in two New Zealanders are living with dementia or know someone who is. The predicted number of people living with dementia is expected to double in the next 20 years.

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