Bottle Drive will drive communities

Press Release

Bottle Drive will drive communities [20.07.06]

“Community groups in need of funding would benefit more from supporting the Great New Zealand Bottle Drive than relying on dirty pokie grants,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF).

“The Bottle Drive is a clean, sustainable source of fundraising for community groups. It encourages communities to look out for each other while removing community groups’ dependence on pokie grants,” says Mr Stansfield.

The Great New Zealand Bottle Drive is part of a campaign for Container Deposit Legislation (CDL) in New Zealand under the Greens’ Waste Minimisation Bill. This is a legislation that establishes a deposit and refund system for used beverage containers. Customers – or community groups - can redeem a deposit on return of an empty container to a retailer or an appointed collector.

“This is a great way for community groups to fundraise. Not only are they promoting being a tidy Kiwi, but they also get to cash in on the scheme to benefit their community group,” says Stansfield.

“We have received reports of an Australian Scouts group who is benefiting from this scheme by almost $1 million each year. If that isn’t a benefit to the community, then what is?” he says.

“We believe this scheme fundamental to bringing back the community spirit of togetherness that is lacking from much of New Zealand since the introduction of pokie trusts. To make this Bill a reality we encourage every community group who needs funding, and every individual who attached to a community group or sports team to support this legislation by going to www.bottledrive.org.nz and sending a submission of support to (no stamp required):

Clerk of the Committee
Local Government and Environment Committee Select
Committee Office
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON

For more information about the Great New Zealand Bottle Drive please visit www.bottledrive.co.nz

ENDS

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