$195,000 gifted to Canterbury Business Recovery Trust

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust has received an early Christmas present – a $195,000 cheque from Armstrong Prestige.

The money is the proceeds from a Rev Up for Christchurch charity auction held earlier this year which featured a Mercedes-Benz CLS350 CDi, valued at $170,000.  The car was donated by Mercedes-Benz New Zealand and Armstrong Prestige. 

Canterbury Business Recovery Trust Executive Director Louise Edwards says the donation is very significant for the Trust and will make a real difference to Canterbury businesses.

The Canterbury Business Recovery Trust was established after the Christchurch earthquakes to provide cash injections into viable but earthquake-affected businesses.  To date the Trust has distributed $3.3 million to around 215 local businesses. 

So far the Trust has received $5.1 million in donations - with today’s cheque taking that up to $5.3 million. 

Louise Edwards says she is enormously grateful to Mercedes-Benz New Zealand and Armstrong Prestige for their support.

“This donation is going to make a huge difference to the Canterbury community.  It will allow us to continue to provide a financial hand up to Canterbury businesses, many of whom are still struggling to overcome the challenges the earthquake has presented. 

“It’s this kind of support from Mercedes-Benz NZ and Armstrong Prestige that is going to really help our business community get back on its feet, so we can have a vibrant and thriving business sector and a healthy future for our community,” says Ms Edwards.

Armstrong Prestige owner Rick Armstrong says the charity auction was an opportunity for them to stand alongside and support their fellow Canterbury businesses.

“The earthquake has taken a major toll on many businesses and the support the Trust is providing is crucial as it gives businesses a cash injection when they need it most.  The Trust is doing a fantastic job, and we’re just delighted that we can be part of it,” says Mr Armstrong.