Osteoporosis New Zealand is set to benefit from leading aged care and retirement village operator Ryman Healthcare’s 2011-2012 annual fundraising campaign.

Previous campaigns by Ryman Healthcare have been very successful, with last year’s fundraising efforts from their 23 retirement villages raising $180,000 for the New Zealand Hearing Association.

Hoping to increase that figure for Osteoporosis New Zealand, communities are strongly encouraged to support the wonderful local fundraising events organised by Ryman’s retirement villages throughout the country.

Executive Director of Osteoporosis New Zealand Julia Gallagher says “Ryman’s support will give us the opportunity to develop and launch our Better Bone Check awareness project, aimed at making bone health a priority for everyone.”

“We share a deep concern for the health and wellbeing of older New Zealanders and work hard to ensure everyone is active and involved in their community.”

“We’re delighted to have Osteoporosis New Zealand as our charity partner for the next year” said Ryman’s Managing Director Simon Challies. “Osteoporosis is an issue that is a constant in the lives of many of our residents, and residents and staff are thrilled that we’re supporting such a worthy organisation.”

Osteoporosis is a major New Zealand health issue and it affects more than half of women and nearly a third of men over the age of 60 years. During which, sufferers experience a reduction in bone density and quality, leading to weakness of the skeleton and increased risk of fracture, particularly of the spine, wrist, hip, pelvis and upper arm.

Osteoporosis New Zealand received a significant funding boost today, when it was presented with a $200,000 donation from Ryman Healthcare.

The cheque was presented by Ryman Managing Director Simon Challies at a special function held at the Rita Angus Retirement Village in Wellington this afternoon.

Today’s presentation marks the culmination of twelve months fundraising by the residents of Ryman’s 24 villages nationwide. The residents raised $100,000, which was matched dollar for dollar by the Company.

“It has been a superb effort from our village staff and residents,” said Mr Challies. “They have generously supported the Osteoporosis cause and have been very industrious in their fund raising endeavours.”

The fundraising efforts over the past year included a charity ball, art exhibition, a walkathon, auctions, market days, quiz nights, housie nights and raffles.

“One of the single largest fundraisers was the auction of a teapot signed by both John Key and John Banks,” said Mr Challies.

“The donation is a new record for us, and we are delighted to be able to support Osteoporosis in their development of a Better Bone Check Tool.”

Osteoporosis New Zealand Chair Jennifer Button received the cheque on behalf of her Board and acknowledged the significant contribution made by the Ryman villages.

“We are very grateful to the Ryman residents and staff for their support this year,” said Miss Button. “This donation will allow us to make significant progress on our work in the community – work which we just couldn’t do without the generosity of companies like Ryman.”

Each year Ryman residents and staff raise funds for charity, which are matched dollar for dollar by the company. Over the past 14 years the company has donated $1.5 million to charity, and each year the amount donated has increased.

The company announced today that next years recipient would be Macular Degeneration New Zealand.

Established in 1984 Ryman currently owns 24 villages nationwide, which each offer a combination of retirement living and aged care, and serves over 6000 residents.

Media are warmly invited to attend:

Rita Angus Retirement Village
66 Coutts Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington
Date: Thursday 31st May
Time: 3.00pm

Photo opportunity includes hand-over of cheque.

Simon Challies (Ryman managing director) and
Jennifer Button (Osteoporosis New Zealand Chair) will be in attendance.

Media advisory:
For further information, comment or photo please contact:

Ryman Healthcare:
Simon Challies, Phone (03) 366 4069 or 0274 968 762