Telethon to tackle violence

Press, 23 March 1988, Page 4

Telethon to tackle violence

Tackling violence in the home and neighbourhopd is the aim of this year’s Telethon, which will run on Television Two over the week-end of June 25 and 26. [| , The beneficiary of this year’s event is the New Zealand Home and Neighbourhood Trust, whibh sees community violence as “the most destructive force” in the community, j The trust, which | Recently met to decide the criteria for groups wishing to ' apply for furiiis, said it planned to distribute the Telethon takirigs in “record time.” 11 “The paramount need as w r e see it is to redujee conflict in society,” said the trust’s chairman, IMr Sam Beca. "Conflict and violence have escalated to ithe point where something has got to be done. |ye hope I that Telethop’s unique I power to unite New Zealanders will) |be the catalyst that’s needed right now.” |, .j | . Mr Beca said that there were many community groups dedicated to tackling violence. ] “But they desperately need our support if they are to succeed. The [proceeds of Telethon vrill! help provide them yvjith the means to save families and preserve neigh-1 bourhoods,” said Mr Belca. i The trust has decided! to support services, [programmes or j projects Which promote effective parenting; educate [ partents and the community in positive attitudes towards parenting; create better -understanding between children and their, parents ’ and associates;' prevent family violence; and promote understand-! ing of the use and abuse of drugs. j ; [ Applications for grants ; open on May 1 and close; on September 30. j I