Two local businesses win a Toyota Highlander for a year
Local post COVID recovery gets a boost with the Toyota Small Business Driver - DeVille Cafe and R&R Kayaks win a Toyota Highlander for 12 months, and a portion of the Million Dollars of Advertising from the Mediaworks MediaFund.
Al Mapperley from Bowater Toyota, Claire Scott from MediaWorks with SBD winners, Mac and Geoff from DeVilles, and Lauretta & Rohan Haskell from R&R Kayaks with their children Monroe and Jett.
Nelson's DeVille Cafe, and R & R Kayaks from Marahau, have been selected as two of the 100 small businesses around the country to receive the free use of a Toyota Highlander for 12 months.
The Small Business Driver programme was conceived by Toyota New Zealand, and partnered by MediaWorks, as a way to help small businesses keep moving after the sudden economic shock of COVID-19.
Applications from businesses who had received Government wage support and employed fewer than 20 people were received in June and assessed by an independent panel of judges.
Al Mapperley, Business Manager from Bowater Toyota, said the response to the offer of help was well beyond Toyota’s expectations and highlighted the need for all New Zealanders, businesses and consumers, to support small businesses.
“Over the years many small businesses in this area have been loyal to us and to Toyota. As a result, we have developed strong bonds with our local customers,” Al says.
“The economic impact of the pandemic is making it tough for many small businesses. Our dealership is no different –as a small business these are difficult times. But Toyota has the capacity to help and a heart that cares about other businesses and the local economy.”