Shoppers in New Zealand have a chance to help raise money for Alzheimers New Zealand this month. From Monday 26 June until Sunday 23 July, 20 cents from each six pack of lamingtons purchased from Countdown will be donated to the charity. The lamingtons are part of Countdown’s Price Lockdown programme, and can be purchased in store for $4 each or two for $7.
Countdown and Elite Food Group, a Blenheim-based bakery with a personal connection to Alzheimers, have joined forces to keep the shelves stocked with lamingtons. In total, they will spend 1,260 hours mixing and baking 128 batches of 3,000 lamingtons using four tonnes of eggs and more than three tonnes of flour.
Elite Food Group General Manager, Anthony Fisher, has recently had a family member diagnosed with Alzheimers, and says the cause is one that’s close to his heart. “My Mum has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimers, so I’ve got huge respect for the work Alzheimers New Zealand does. We encourage people to purchase the lamingtons, enjoy a sweet treat and help support those living with Alzheimers,” says Fisher.
Lamingtons traditionally come in raspberry and chocolate, but modern flavour twists are proving popular. Last year a zingy lemon variety was introduced to Countdown, and its popularity will see it return for a second year to raise funds to support the 62,287 New Zealanders who are currently living with dementia. Lamington lovers helped raise $16,000 for the cause last year.
Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, James Walker, says Countdown is proud to support a cause that affects more than 60,000 kiwis and their families. “Our suppliers get behind many valuable causes within the community, and it’s great that we’re able to team up with Elite Food Group to create a treat and raise money at the same time,” says Walker.
The number of New Zealanders living with dementia is growing rapidly, with more than 170,000 New Zealanders forecast to have dementia by 2050.
