The Apparelmaster Group has established a relief fund for the recovery efforts following Cyclone Gabrielle. The organisation approached its team members and suppliers, ultimately raising $23,500. Initially, the funds were intended to help Apparelmaster's staff members who were directly affected by the cyclone.
However, as it turned out, there were not many who experienced significant losses in terms of property, vehicles, or pets. Nonetheless, the staff members had all been under immense mental stress, with many facing difficult family situations and working extended hours under trying conditions.
To boost morale, the Apparelmaster Group decided to organise staff appreciation lunches in Gisborne, Hawkes Bay, and Taupo. The first lunch was held at Apparelmaster Gisborne last Wednesday, with two more scheduled for Diamond Apparelmaster in Whakatu and Permaclean Apparelmaster in Taupo over the next two weeks.
With funds remaining, the Apparelmaster Group sought out two local charities that were not mainstream and had no administrative fees. In Gisborne, the group identified a suitable candidate for support - the Gisborne Tairawhiti Farmer Recovery Fund, who assist those most severely impacted by the cyclone.
The fund, which is managed by Jen Mildenhall of BDO, is a very worthy cause that will directly benefit the farmers affected by the cyclone. The Apparelmaster Group is donating $10,000 to the fund. Haydon has also identified a potential recipient of the same amount in Napier and plans to meet with them in a few weeks to discuss the donation.
In the photo from left to right: Bevan Ritchie, Managing Director of Apparelmaster NZ with Jen and Martin Jakicevich from Gisborne Laundry Service Apparelmaster.