March 19, 2007

'Rise Up' Concert Marks Launch of Social Marketing Campaign

The Problem Gambling Foundation and a number of other community organisations will be holding a concert in South Auckland this week to mark the launch of a campaign to prevent and minimise gambling harm.

The 'Rise Up' concert at the Otara Town Centre beginning at 11 am on Friday will feature music by R & B band 'Cydel', Pacific music from'Mount Vaea', Hip Hop with 'lil tyrone', and performances from 'Jandlemen', a Kapa Haka group and Hip Hop dancers.

A range of activities including bouncy castles and face painting will entertain the children.

The concert precedes a national campaign which kicks off this Sunday (25 March 2007) with a 30-second television advertisement which encourages New Zealanders to think about problem gambling, who it affects, and the impact it has on communities.

The Problem Gambling Foundation CEO, John Stansfield, said that problem gambling affected tens of thousands of Kiwi lives.

"Every week we deal with families and communities devastated by gambling harm," he said.

"The campaign is a much needed effort to get people to realise that everyone is affected by problem gambling - our families, neighbours and workplaces."

"We also want our communities to know how they can get involved and take action to address the problem," he said.

He said there are things that people can do to keep themselves or their loved ones safe from gambling harm, and if people believe problem gambling is harming their community they can do something about it.

"For example people can have a say when their local council reviews its gambling policy."

"However, it is not all doom and gloom. If you know someone with a gambling problem contact us now on 0800 664 262," he said.

"PGF provides free and confidential services to anyone with - or affected by problem gambling."

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