Businesses reach out to schools

Businesses are still putting their hand up to help with charity work despite the squeeze on their bottom lines.

Ten businesses have given $500,000 worth of their time in the past year to help to mentor 15 low-decile Auckland schools. The Building Better Schools Through Business Partnerships was officially set up last May after a three-year trial.

Julie Donvin-Irons, chief executive of Ed & Co, which runs the charitable trust, said she had been surprised by the level of support despite the recession.

"I think it shows the level of commitment the companies have."

One or more people mentor a school's principal and board of trustees. Donvin-Irons said it allowed business people to share their knowledge and skills with a school that might not otherwise be able to access it from their local community.

Those involved include KPMG, Deloitte, ASB, ANZ, Westpac, Minter Ellison, Stevensons, McConnells, Gen-I and Jasmax.