Newman’s Own Foundation, the independent foundation created by the late actor and philanthropist Paul Newman, today announced over $510,000 in grants to be donated to New Zealand charities.

Newman’s Own Foundation President Robert Forrester will make the announcement at a charity event in Auckland tomorrow (Tuesday 12 April) on his first ever visit to New Zealand.

The funds will be divided into three categories:

• $330,000 in donations to community groups affected by devastating Christchurch Earthquake
• $130,000 in donations to charities New Zealand wide seeking funding up to $20,000 for special projects.
• $50,000 in donations to community partners programme

“We recognise the needs of communities, especially following natural disasters and emergencies,” said Forrester. “Paul was committed to helping make the world a better place. He believed in sharing his good fortune with those in need. He donated to charity all net profits and royalties after taxes from the sale of Newman’s Own products. Newman’s Own Foundation continues this philanthropic tradition.”

The Foundation has supported over 100 charities in New Zealand since 1992. Recent recipients include Arthritis New Zealand, Heart Children NZ, Age Concern and Street Football Aotearoa. Since 1982, Paul Newman and Newman’s Own Foundation have donated more than US$300 million to charities around the world.

A grant from The Foundation along with a grant from AXA Hearts in Action made it possible to hold the recent Arthritis Children’s Camp in the Waikato.

Children got the chance to relax and mingle with other children with arthritis, while their parents had the opportunity to have all of their questions answered by both the specialists and the Arthritis New Zealand team.

More information and images from the camp can be found in the special edition of The Juice Magazine due to be in circulation next week.  .