AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- 5 March 2001 -- Cisco Systems, the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet, has announced it will contribute US $50,000 a year over the next three years to Habitat for Humanity New Zealand.
The sponsorship, from The Cisco Foundation, was confirmed at a recent Habitat for Humanity luncheon in Auckland to mark the successful completion of the 100th home in New Zealand by Habitat for Humanity since the program commenced here in 1993.
Established 25 years ago, Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit Christian housing organisation that has built more than 100,000 homes in 67 countries around the world, including 106 in New Zealand. It recently initiated a new campaign" More Than Houses: Rebuilding our Communities" with the challenge of raising US $500 million to provide a further 100,000 homes by the end of 2005.
The Cisco Foundation has committed US $3 million worldwide to the More Than Houses campaign, with New Zealand receiving US $150,000 over the next three years. Cisco Systems New Zealand Country Manager, Tim Hemingway, says that cash contribution will be backed up by other practical initiatives which could involve local staff and key Cisco partners helping Habitat affiliates and future owners in the construction of their homes.
"Cisco is delighted to support Habitat's aim to eliminate poverty housing from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience," he says. "At the moment the most tangible way we can demonstrate this support is in the form of cash. But we will seek out other business partners who can join us in making a positive contribution to Habitat for Humanity."
Mr Hemingway says that globally Cisco has taken a lead role in a number of community based and charitable programs like NetAid and the Cisco Networking Academy Program. "We are determined to take a lead role here in New Zealand in putting something back into the community through our involvement with Habitat for Humanity."
Grant Cathro, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity New Zealand, says the Cisco sponsorship is "one of the most significant and generous ones our organisation has received and will go a long way to meeting our goal of building a further 60 new homes by the end of the year.
"We receive a lot of support from a number of corporates, many of whom donate in kind or in the form of volunteer labour-- for which we are very thankful. Substantial cash commitments like this are also fantastic as they enable us to leverage additional local fundraising throughout the country."
About Habitat for Humanity
Founded in America in 1976, Habitat for Humanity is an ecumenical Christian housing ministry that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and make decent shelter a matter of conscience. Habitat is now working in 67 countries around the world and has built or renovated more than 100,000 homes in partnership with families in need. These homes are sold to partner families at no profit with zero-interest mortgages. Habitat for Humanity's work is organized at the local level by more than 1900 Affiliates worldwide, who co-ordinate house building and select the partner families.About Cisco Systems
Cisco Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: CSCO) is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information are available at www.cisco.com.
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