Media Release

26 March 2013

Arthritis Donations Support Services

Arthritis New Zealand Chief Executive Sandra Kirby today reassured the New Zealand public that Arthritis New Zealand ensures funds it has raised are used to support the services it provides in the community. She was commenting on news reports that the Cancer Research Charitable Trust had suspended fundraising, following questions being raised when it was revealed that only 4% of funds raised had gone to services, with the balance going towards staff and administration costs.

“It is always disappointing to see charities in the news that mislead the public on fundraising, as this affects us all”, Ms Kirby said today.

“Arthritis New Zealand relies on fundraising for its services, and the money we raise is used for our services in New Zealand. While there are always costs associated with fundraising, we aim to meet the industry benchmark that at least 75 cents in every dollar we raise will be used to fund our services.”

“I personally thank our many generous donors, and take this opportunity to reassure them that we are committed to using their gifts wisely and for the purpose they were given”, Ms Kirby concluded.

Arthritis New Zealand is a national organisation that raises awareness of the more than 140 forms of arthritis, advocates for those living with arthritis; funds research, and provides support through information and advice. There are more than 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis.

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Key facts

• 530,000 New Zealanders living with Arthritis New Zealand
• 1,000 children with arthritis in NZ
• Only 12% of our funding comes from Government for defined contracts
• We need to raise $5m annually to provide services

ENDS

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