Countdown is backing RainbowYouth again to help raise funds to support queer, gender-diverse and intersex young people in Aotearoa.

The supermarket chain has kick-started the fundraising efforts with a donation of $25,000 and is asking customers to round up purchases to the nearest dollar at the checkout to help RainbowYouth continue its work supporting young people throughout the country. 

“For a lot of young people, including the many young people who start their careers at Countdown, RainbowYouth plays a huge role in helping them feel included and supported,” said Countdown’s GM corporate affairs, safety and sustainability, Kiri Hannifin. “That’s why we’re really excited to be partnering with them once again.

“Pride Month is not only something that’s important to many of our customers but our team too. With more than 3 million customers a week and 21,000 Kiwis working across our business, it’s really important to us that we not only celebrate diversity but continue to show our commitment to an inclusive culture where everyone is welcomed and accepted,” she said.

Countdown is a Rainbow Tick-accredited business and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion. Besides backing RainbowYouth, Countdown has this year sponsored $8000 in scholarships through the Rainbow New Zealand Charitable Trust and provided $5000 in vouchers for Auckland Pride to support artists who have been unable to perform at cancelled Pride events this year. 

RainbowYouth executive director Pooja Subramanian says the organisation is grateful for the continued support from Countdown and its customers. 

“Last year, the company raised over $120,000 to support queer, gender diverse, takatāpui and intersex youth across Aotearoa,” Subramanian said. “Support like this has helped to make Rainbow Youth’s services more accessible and sustainable.”