WELLINGTON, 22 January 2010 - The country's financial markets industry has donated $25,000 to children's charity Cystic Fibrosis NZ.

It is the third year the New Zealand Financial Markets Thomson Reuters Charity Golf Tournament has chosen Cystic Fibrosis NZ as the recipient of funds raised at its annual charity golf classic.

NZFMA Chief Executive Paul Atmore observed that "2009 was a turbulent year for the world's financial markets and it was no different for the sector in New Zealand, but that didn't stop association members digging deep into their pockets for a charity they respect and admire."

Cystic Fibrosis NZ worked closely with the golf committee during the year and provided volunteers from the Hawkes Bay to man the golf holes along with staff from Avenues Event Management and Thomson Reuters.

Cystic Fibrosis CEO Kate Russell says "We are a small but vital charity which could never dream of organising an event so strongly supported by New Zealand and Australian business. We are thrilled to be the recipient charity for the past three years. The money raised has helped us to improve the lives of hundreds of people with cystic fibrosis".

The funds raised will be used to purchase more E-flow nebulisers.

Joint co-hosts, The New Zealand Financial Markets Association and Thomson Reuters have decided to name Cystic Fibrosis NZ as its charity for its 2010 golf classic, to be held on 24-26 September, again at Wairakei International Golf Course.

*The annual financial markets charity golf classic was established as the Reuters New Zealand Charity Golf Classic and is now known as the NZFMA Thomson Reuters Charity Golf Classic.