Z pumps out cash to chosen charities

GOOD WORK: Z manager Katy Phillips, Masterton Community Patrol members David Lee, David Rolls, Cheryl Watson and Pauline Jury, and Z owner Ras Singh. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Four Wairarapa community groups have benefited from Z's annual "Good in the Hood" scheme.

Z owner operator Ras Singh gave out cheques to St John, Plunket, Masterton Community Centre Trust and the Masterton Community Patrol yesterday.

The scheme asks customers to vote for their preferred charity using tokens, with $4000 up for grabs.

St John was the most popular charity, receiving $1600, with Plunket receiving $1200, the Community Patrol $800 and the Community Centre $400.

Mr Singh thanked the assembled groups for their good work, saying "it's the best time of the year for me - I feel a bit like the Indian Santa Claus".

"I would like to say a big thank you to all your groups and for all the work you do in your community. You guys go out there and support the community members that require your help ... thank you, and thank you for doing such a great job."

Community Patrol volunteer Cheryl Watson said the money was well-timed as the group hopes to purchase its own patrol cars this year, Mrs Watson said.

"It's huge for us because we are moving towards securing our own vehicle so this can help contribute to that.

"It looks like we could pull it off this year, which would be great."