Although the weather would suggest otherwise, summer is in full swing and this season, KFC will be releasing their latest merchandise collection - with 100 percent of the proceeds going to support Surf Life Saving New Zealand (SLSNZ).
As part of the KFC For Good Foundation, the limited-edition merchandise - available to buy from Monday, February 20 will raise funds to help Surf Lifeguards across the motu this summer, supporting the lifesaving work they do to help keep Kiwis safe at Aotearoa's beautiful beaches.
The 10-year partnership between KFC and SLSNZ has focused on promoting lifeguards' hard mahi, as well as raising public awareness on the importance of water safety, says Paul Dalton, SLSNZ's chief executive officer. As a proud sponsor of SLSNZ, KFC has to date raised over $1.58 million for the cause.
"The partnership with KFC and SLSNZ has had a strong focus on helping promote our safety messages to the public, and raising money for us to operate the SLSNZ organisation, which is there to support the 74 clubs and 4,500 Surf Lifeguards around the country," he said.
The KFC For Good Foundation was launched as KFC's way of giving back to the communities it serves, as well as its 3000-strong team across the country.
The mission of the Foundation is to champion causes that equip young Kiwi adults with skills and support that enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. Through its partnership with SLSNZ, KFC aims to make a tangible, positive impact on New Zealanders.
As a not-for-profit, volunteer-based charity, ongoing support and funding is essential for SLSNZ to continue its hard work - which is where the KFC merchandise comes in.
"The KFC merchandise always seems very popular with consumers, so we're thrilled that 100% of proceeds will be donated to support SLSNZ," Dalton added.
"We will use the money to help us support our Surf Life Saving Clubs and Surf Lifeguard training activities. We train around 1,000 new lifeguards each year and the work to continuously improve our resources and curricula is a big job."
Throughout their long-standing partnership, KFC's donations have helped to educate, train and support the 4,500 Surf Lifeguards who patrol 92 beaches across Aotearoa every summer, who have in turn have delivered over two million hours of patrolling and saved 9,709 lives over the decade-long collaboration.
The proceeds from the sale of the collection will be donated in addition to the $27,000 raised from sponsoring the 21st over at Black Clash, as well as KFC donating for every bucket sold this summer. The goal of the Summer Merchandise Collection is to take the total donations to over $150,000 for SLSNZ this season.
The collection includes a classic Hawaiian shirt, featuring all things KFC, along with other fresh summer must-haves, like iconic pair of Kiwi slides, towelling bucket hats, KFC-themed sunglasses and more.
The collection also features a one-of-a-kind, KFC-branded surfboard that will go to auction on February 20 with all proceeds going to support SLSNZ.
Kiwis wanting to support a worthy charity can get behind the cause by heading to kfcforgood.co.nz to purchase the exclusive KFC Summer Merchandise Collection for a limited-time only.
Article created in partnership with KFC and Surf Life Saving New Zealand.
