During the 2011 year the Group continued to make donations in cash or product in support of local charities.
Total expenditure for donations and sponsorship was $63,013 (2010: $91,359).
The Group recognises that it is dependent on the support of the community and the need to promote its products and services to the community.
The Group extensively supports charitable organisations in its many locations by involvement in fund raising activities such as raffles and lotteries. Much of this effort is put into raising funds in conjunction with the Group’s retail promotions and media partners.
The Group also supports organisations such as the IHC, Ronald McDonald House in Canterbury and is the major sponsor of the Santa Parade in Christchurch.
In the years 2007 and 2008 the Group combined with the Naval Point Club Lyttelton to organise a yacht race to raise funds for charity.
Suppliers to the Group make significant contributions by way of purchasing tickets and donating product for auction. The support of the suppliers is highly valued and appreciated by the Group.
In 2007 $15,000 was raised to purchase an Ocuscan Biometer to treat cataracts at the Canterbury Charity Hospital.
In 2008 approximately $30,000 was raised to help Youthline achieve its objective of installing and staffing computer facilities to allow nationwide texting as means of communicating with teenagers.
In 2009 and 2010 a conscious decision was made not to run the event for charity due to economic conditions and the downturn in business of most supporters of these events. In both years the Yacht Club organised races in place of the official charity day. These events were well attended and enjoyed y those who made it a fun day on the water and afterwards.
This year (2011) in March the Group intends to run a Full Charity Yacht Race Day again with the Naval Point Club Lyttelton.
Unfortunately this even did not take place due to the February 22nd earthquake. A decision has yet to be made on another event and time
Click here to read more about Charity Yacht Race Days
"Thank You Smiths City
Ronald McDonald House South Island is sincerely grateful to Smiths City
for the loyalty and friendship they continually demonstrate to this
Charity. When building the House, Smiths City made the House a real
‘home away from home’ by donating a large proportion of the “fit
out” for the House. Those items not donated Rick and his team sought
support from their suppliers for competitive pricing. Smiths City is our
major sponsor and an extremely valued member of the ‘House Family’
- we would not be where we are today without their support and
ongoing commitment." Nickie Barlow, CEO
Community Involvement 
