Holden Supports New Zealand Earthquake Relief Effort Through General Motors Foundation Contribution

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Holden New Zealand joined the General Motors Foundation to announce the Foundation is providing a US $200,000 (NZ $268,000) grant to the New Zealand American Association to help provide disaster relief services to earthquake stricken areas in and around Christchurch.

These Foundation funds will go toward the Christchurch Earthquake Relief Fund in support of ongoing relief efforts and to provide essential supplies to communities devastated by the deadly February 22 earthquake.

General Motors Company Chief Financial Officer and New Zealand native Chris Liddell announced the donation during a visit to Auckland.  Liddell also serves as a GM Foundation Board Member.

"As a global company, we feel a deep responsibility to give back in a time of need for the communities where our employees live and work," said Liddell.

Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Simon Carr said Holden has a history of supporting the community that in turn has supported it so strongly for over 50 years.

"We pride ourselves on helping out in times of need and we sincerely hope that this Foundation contribution will aid in the recovery effort for the people of Canterbury," said Carr.

For over three decades the GM Foundation has provided financial support to the U.S. and cities around the world rocked by natural disasters. Recent contributions have helped relief efforts toward the earthquake in Haiti and floods in Tennessee, Kentucky and most recently Queensland, Australia.

"The GM Foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life for communities and families knows no time zones nor geographic boundaries," said John T. Montford, Chairman of the GM Foundation and Senior Advisor for Government Relations and Global Public Policy.

"We believe the GM Foundation can make a real difference in the lives of many who are enduring difficult circumstances."

About General Motors Foundation

Since its inception in 1976, GM Foundation has donated hundreds of millions to deserving American charities and to disaster relief efforts worldwide. The GM Foundation focuses on Education, Health and Human Services, Environment and Energy and Community Development initiatives, mainly in the communities where GM operates. For more information, visit http://www.gm.com/corporate/responsibility/community.

About the New Zealand American Association

The New Zealand American Association (NZAA) is a non-profit organization that promotes mutual understanding and goodwill between the United States and New Zealand. The NZAA cooperates with various organizations to arrange exchange visits between the two countries, and to encourage cooperation and a free exchange of ideas in science, education, commerce, and the arts. For more information, visit http://www.nzaa.org.nz/

SOURCE General Motors