Microsoft donates $1.4 million in software to New Zealand charity

Microsoft has chosen a children’s charity in New Zealand to receive $1.4 million in donated computer software – as part of $5.5 million in software and funding support for Not for Profit organisations in New Zealand in the past 12 months.

Microsoft has announced the $1.4 million donation of software will go Barnardos New Zealand – an international Children’s welfare charity.

Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, Murray Edridge says the donation will enable Barnardos to use a range of IT resources and support to most effectively serve the children, parents and their families that need Barnardos most. Edridge says technology has an important role to play in increasing effectiveness in the Not for Profit sector and the delivery of core community services.

Microsoft Corporation Chief Financial Officer Chris Liddell says the donation is emblematic of the Microsoft Corporation’s wider philanthropic focus. Liddell says Microsoft founder Bill Gates impressed upon the company the value of giving back to the communities it serves.

Liddell says Microsoft globally is committed to working in partnership with the government and Not for Profit organisations to help enable social and economic transformation.

Microsoft New Zealand has donated more than $5.5m in software and funding to 288 non-profit organisations in New Zealand in the past 12 months.