Chemist Warehouse Raises Over A Million Dollars For Kiwi Charities

Community pharmacy retailer, Chemist Warehouse, has raised over a million dollars for Kiwi Charites since 2022. Their recent charity efforts raised more than $435,000 throughout the Super Rugby Pacific 2024 Season as part of the Chemist Warehouse Super Charity Five Campaign. Donations were collected in-store, online and at selected games between March 21st – May 19th, 2024.

This is the third year the campaign has run, with the aim to raise much needed funds and awareness for five chosen Kiwi Charities, in partnership with the Blues, Chiefs, Hurricanes, Crusaders and Highlanders. Over the three-year period, Chemist Warehouse has raised a whopping $1,004,003.

Among the recipients is Gumboot Friday, who provides free counselling services for any young person in New Zealand aged 25 and under. An overworked, underfunded, and under resourced public mental health service has led to excruciatingly long wait times for young people needing immediate help. With the support of local suppliers, customers in communities across the country and Chiefs fans we have raised $93,361.28 for Gumboot Friday.

The money raised will help provide a bridge to Rangatahi in need by breaking down the barriers of cost and wait times. Mike King, Founder of Gumboot Friday highlights how important this money is for our youth.

"We are immensely grateful for the continued support from Chemist Warehouse; they have been a beacon of light, giving hope to Kiwi kids. I’d also like to thank the Gallagher Chiefs for embracing mental health and showing that Super Rugby is not just about footy. Their commitment enables us to provide 450 young New Zealanders with free counselling. This initiative highlights that community support extends far beyond business—it’s about genuinely uplifting our youth," King said.

Simon Graafhuis, Chiefs CEO, said: "At the Chiefs Rugby Club, we know we have the best fans in the country, and their generous support of our nominated charity, Gumboot Friday, for the Chemist Warehouse Charity Round has reinforced this. The fans and sponsors donated over $90k which will go towards providing free counselling services for young New Zealanders—Mark in your diary for 1st November which is actual Gumboot Friday this year.”

Chemist Warehouse New Zealand CEO Azman Haroon expressed the company's deep appreciation for the vital role charities play in communities nationwide, affirming their commitment to ongoing support for local charities in the future.

“Chemist Warehouse is committed to providing everyday health and wellness solutions to all of Aotearoa, community and family are engrained in our DNA. Each year we look at ways that we can effectively support and raise money for charities across the community and we are proud to work alongside the five chosen 2024 charities who are making a huge difference to everyday New Zealanders,” Haroon said.

To see more about the Chemist Warehouse Super Rugby charity drive, watch the official video here:https://youtu.be/BET8xqo3CfI

Chemist Warehouse now has 50 stores in New Zealand and employs more than 270 pharmacists nationwide.