MEDIA RELEASE 17^th June, 2009

BAREFOOT LAWYERS TAKE UP THE KIDSCAN CORPORATE CHALLENGE

An Auckland law firm is planning to conduct their business day in bare feet after taking up a challenge by charity KidsCan StandTall for New Zealand corporations to support The Big Night In, Telethon screening on TV3 in August.

The legal team at Lowndes Jordan have dubbed July 10^th 2009 Barefoot Business Day, and will be sponsored by friends and relatives to wear normal business attire but no shoes.

Lowndes Jordan Partner, Rick Shera says his firm is not only raising money for the KidsCan StandTall charity but is highlighting the fact that thousands of New Zealand children around the country arrive at school every day without shoes.

"We can't imagine what it would be like for these kids to go to school particularly on cold and wet days wearing no shoes," he says, "For one day we are going to have some experience of what that's like and are calling on other New Zealand businesses to do the same and help us raise money for KidsCan StandTall. We work in warm premises so it will not be the same but we thought that we had to do something."

Each $20 raised will buy one pair of shoes for the KidsCan StandTall shoes programme.

KidsCan Standtall Charitable Trust provides 28,000 New Zealand children at 130 low decile schools with three programmes providing children in need with shoes, raincoats and food.

There are 30,000 children around the country on an urgent waiting list to receive support from these programmes. 10,000 of these children need a pair of shoes.

Julie Helson, KidsCan StandTall Executive Director, says providing children with a pair of shoes has a positive impact on their overall health. "We not only reduce foot injury and infection but we actually get kids to school when they might not otherwise go. By keeping their feet warm and dry during the winter months children are also in a better position to learn when they do get to school."

Julie Helson is calling all New Zealand businesses to take up the challenge of helping impoverished children "in our own backyard" by undertaking fundraising activities between now and The Big Night In Telethon screening on August 8^th and 9^th.

"There's so many other ways businesses can help with staff fundraising activities such as giving something up, holding a quiz night or dress up day for a fee, or simply running a good old fashioned carwash" says Julie. "Just remember to film whatever it is you do and send it in for your chance of 60 seconds of fame during the Big Night In."

If you want to join Barefoot Business Day or undertake other fundraising activity, you can visit www.bignightin.co.nz, to seek fundraising ideas and register your company's support. Caring corporates will have the chance to appear on TV3 during Big Night In Telethon this August in celebration of their funds raised, so don't miss this chance of a lifetime.

For further information contact:

Anjana Mani, Account Manager, FUSE
DDI 09 353 7483, MOB 021 11 11 549, E anjana.mani@fuseint.com

Rick Shera, Partner, Lowndes Jordan
P 09 309 2500, MOB 021 612 713, E rjs@lojo.co.nz

KIDSCAN STANDTALL CHARITABLE TRUST

The KidsCan StandTall Charitable Trust (KidsCan) is a national charity dedicated to ensuring Kiwi kids less fortunate than others have a bright future. KidsCan provides three targeted programmes; 'Raincoats for Kids', 'Shoes for Kids' and 'Food for Kids', which remove the barriers preventing financially disadvantaged children from getting the most out of their education and life. Please visit www.KidsCan.org.nz for further information.