Sponsored: Supporting local communities

Throughout a challenging period for community organisations, Craigs Investment Partners continues to support a multitude of organisations in business, the arts, sports, education and the community.

As a long-time supporter of communities across the country, Craigs will once again donate $150,000 to local charities in need through its Christmas Giving initiative this Christmas.

Craigs places immense value on supporting the local communities it’s a part of. Community giving is very much in the fabric of the business. Craigs has created a Workplace Giving Programme where community giving is encouraged from all levels of the organisation.

It’s an affordable and accessible way for Craigs employees to contribute to communities and the funds are distributed at Christmas time to local charities. Craigs match employee donations dollar for dollar and the programme has grown significantly with over 300 employees opting into the initiative.

A portion of the funds donated go towards the Craigs Community Fund, which was established in 2019 with the goal of building a self-sustaining charitable fund over the next 10-15 years for Craigs to give back to communities well into the future.

CEO Simon Tong says, “workplace giving is a hugely rewarding initiative and it’s fantastic to see so many colleagues support a philanthropic cause. The concept isn’t so much about the amount donated, but more about engagement and support for our communities.”

Craigs’ founder, Neil Craig, was instrumental in creating the programme.

“Our local Craigs’ branches work with the Community Foundation in their area to determine where our donations will be best put to use. Their community insight is invaluable to ensure our donations will have the biggest impact for our local charities,” says Neil.

In conjunction with Top of the South Community Foundation, the generosity of Craigs’ employees in the Nelson and Marlborough region will help to bring a little extra cheer to the Top of the South community after another challenging year for many. Last year, Life Linc, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren, and Second Chance Tasman received donations through the Craigs’ Christmas Giving Programme.

Investment Adviser Karl Williscroft says, “it is our pleasure to work with Top of the South Community Foundation to provide support to organisations who are doing such good work in a difficult environment.”

Committed to making a difference

The Craigs’ Nelson team are proud to be long-time supporters of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Nelson-Tasman, which provides adult mentors to more than 171 children and young people in the Nelson-Tasman region. It is now the largest mentoring programme in New Zealand. Nelson-Tasman currently has 58 children on the waiting list, 38 are boys.

The volunteer mentors spend a few hours each week with their young person, doing activities they both enjoy and building a supportive friendship in the process. Building the young peoples’ self-esteem, developing their communication and social skills, and opening their eyes to a world of opportunities.

Investment adviser Tanya McMurtrie has been a mentor for Big Brothers Big Sisters for the last 16 years.

“I am proud to work for an organisation that provides such a valuable service to our tamariki. It really does change young people’s lives,” says Tanya.

The Craigs’ team in Nelson are also proudly associated with the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary. At 690 hectares, it is the largest fenced haven for endangered plants and creatures in the South Island. Being the only sanctuary in New Zealand to feature mature native beech forest, it is also home to some of New Zealand's rare and endangered species.

Investment adviser Jason Craig says, “Craigs support the Sanctuary and manage an investment fund for the Sanctuary Foundation Trust, both recognised as important long-term investments for the region, to be protected for future generations.”

The month of March is the Craigs 50k a day Challenge raising funds nationally for the Regional Rescue Helicopter Trusts.

In 2023 the Craigs team in Nelson donated $23,828 to the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter Trust. Over four years, the Craigs 50k a day Challenge has raised just over $65,000 for the Nelson Marlborough Rescue Helicopter - a crucial service to the Top of the South, each year responding to over 500 missions throughout the region.

Craigs Investment Partners believe in being actively involved in giving back to the community through fundraising and volunteering, and are proud to support the communities where we live and work, for the long term.

Craigs Investment Partners Limited are a NZX Participant firm.
Adviser disclosure statements are available on request and free of charge. The Craigs Investment Partners Limited Financial Advice Provider Disclosure Statement can be viewed at craigsip.com/tcs. Please visit craigsip.com