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Man in blue suit deliversBy TOM HUNT, Nelson Mail Saturday, 20 December 2008 Christmas came early for Neighbourhood Support Nelson this year but instead of a red hat and a beard, this Santa is more likely to sport a blue tie and a suit. A $500 personal cheque from Prime Minister John Key arrived in the mailbox for Neighbourhood Support Nelson on Thursday and its coordinator, Kim MacDonald, said it was an ideal pre-Christmas surprise. About a month ago, Mrs MacDonald heard that Mr Key was donating part of his salary to non-profit organisations, so she wrote to Nelson MP Nick Smith asking how to apply. Dr Smith evidently passed the inquiry on to Mr Key, and on Thursday morning a parliamentary envelope arrived in the post with a cheque inside. While Neighbourhood Support received community grants, these required that costs be budgeted for, meaning there was no money for unforeseen costs such as replacing a printer if it broke down, Mrs MacDonald said. The money from Mr Key meant the community organisation was now in the unusual position of having a contingency fund. Mrs MacDonald said she wanted the community to know how grateful she was. A spokesman for Mr Key said on Friday he had given away a "good part of his salary" to charity when he was in opposition and was continuing that now as prime minister. Mr Key did not reveal details of the donations, the spokesman said. |
