GSK join Stellar Trust
2010-02-05 13:48:59
5 February, 2010
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (NZ) Joins Stellar Trust in Anti-P Education Programme
The Stellar Trust’s battle against pure meth-amphetamine (P) has received significant backing with pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare (NZ) finalising its support of the Trust’s schools drug education programme.
Stellar Trust chairman, Alistair Burry welcomed GSK’s involvement with the Trust and said its support was integral to the Trust’s education programme, enabling it to reach thousands more pupils at intermediate and early high school levels.
“GSK’s support means we’ll be able to fund up to 50 school visits in the first year of the programme and we’ll look to expand that further in future years,” said Mr Burry. “But the difficulty, as it is for all charitable organisations, is finding the funding to support these programmes and GSK is generously providing that assistance.”
GSK’s New Zealand Managing Director Paul Rose, said the company had been looking for ways to support drug education in communities for some time and the calibre of the people involved in the Stellar Trust and the vision it has for “A ‘P’ Free New Zealand” was what appealed.
“I was also fortunate to see one of the Trust’s school presentations and presenter Pat Buckley was particularly powerful in the way he connected to his audience. He received dozens of texts and e-mails after that presentation that highlighted just what an impact he’d made. The Trust is very fortunate to have a presenter who connects well with students in this age group as he is very real and credible to them.
“While GSK New Zealand has a small percentage of the pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu products on the market here, when used as directed, these products are safely used to effectively treat the symptoms of colds and flu worldwide every day.
“However, P addiction is a major social issue for New Zealand and our own company has been affected by criminal activity intent on targeting our cold and flu medicines for the illegal importation and manufacturing of methamphetamine. While the law enforcement agencies we work with tell us our processes do everything possible to prevent this, we are also intent on tackling criminal activity by driving down demand for illegal drug use. We believe by supporting the Stellar Trust through an effective education programme, our young people will be aware of its devastating effects and this will help them make good choices in the future.
“While GSK manufactures a number of cold and flu medicines, including Contac NT, it does not manufacture or sell Contac NT in New Zealand.”
Mr Burry said there had been an immediate rapport between the two organisations with a shared concern about the impacts of P in New Zealand.
“GSK’s commitment is likely to expand beyond simply providing financial support and we look forward to identifying further ways to use their resources and networks in the battle against P in New Zealand.
“We know some people may misunderstand why a manufacturer of pre-cursor drugs is involved with our organisation but GSK is also targeted by criminal activity, resulting in the abuse of its products. That’s something GSK shares with so many individuals and businesses that are affected by the abuse of P in New Zealand.
“We are seeking to build a meaningful relationship with the GSK team that will begin with this drive of education into schools to turn our young people off the idea of experimenting with such a highly addictive and damaging drug.”
Mr Burry said GSK was the first major corporate supporter to join the Trust and both parties view this as a significant commitment.
“It’s a feature of our organisation that the people involved also give generously of their time and expertise and as well as giving their financial support. We have added Jacqui Barratt (Salt Recruitment)and businessman Burton Shipley to our Board of Trustees to enhance the breadth of knowledge on the Board.
“Annette Presley is also adding her extensive business knowledge and contacts to our fund raising efforts joining our CEO Mike Williams on that team. Mike was instrumental in bringing GSK to our organisation.”
Media Inquiries to:
Alistair Burry
Chairman Stellar Trust
021 500 614
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