Southfuels programme gives back over $1 million to rural schools

Content brought to you by Southfuels.

An innovative progamme that aims to give back to rural Kiwi kids has reached a million dollar milestone this year.

The "Fuel for Schools" programme, by Southfuels, has been helping farmers help rural schools for the past twelve years - $1000 at a time.

For every 100 litres of bulk fuel a farmer buys, Southfuels donates 50 cents to the school of that farmers' choice. Once that school reaches its $1,000 target, there are over 40 technology and sporting packages it can put the money towards.

Clutha Valley School was the lucky recipient of the final $1000 that made up the $1 million milestone.

To celebrate the milestone the school received a bonus package of Chromebooks, which the students quickly put to use, working on self-directed learning projects during their "Genius Hour".

Principal of Clutha Valley School, Val Ward said the "Fuel for Schools" programme was "a fantastic initiative".

"It's given equitable access to children in our school with the Chromebooks" Ward said.

Southfuels customer Hannah Harwood said it was great to know that the money from her fuel purchase was going back to rural kids.

"We love buying our fuel from Southfuels because they give so much back to the community".

Southfuels Chief Executive Bryan Jamison delivered the one-thousandth $1000 cheque to Clutha Valley School in person.

He said Southfuels was "extremely proud" of the programme and all it had achieved for rural schools so far.

"Our Fuel For Schools programme ... has donated over a million dollars to 350 schools across New Zealand in rural communities".

Find out more about Southfuels' Fuel for Schools programme here.