The campaign, launched today, will build awareness and raise money for Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ).

Harvey Norman, which specialises in furniture, bedding, computer and electrical goods, have become the latest company to join PNZ’s "Spirit of Gold"  initiative, a long-term scheme aimed at generating funds for New Zealand’s Paralympic athletes.

An internal fundraising drive will also be established and the company are hoping to increase engagement in the campaign through advertising and by liaising with suppliers and partners in a bid to encourage their customers to get behind their Paralympians.

The campaign also has a secondary focus to invest in the development of Para-sport throughout the country.

The retailer will run the campaign from throughout May and June, before the Paralympics are due to get underway in the Brazilian city on September 7.

They will sell Spirit of Gold pins and wristbands and take donations at the till, as well as on their official website.

“Paralympics New Zealand provides the support our Paralympians and Para-Athletes need to allow them to fulfil their goals whilst providing inspiration to the next generation,” PNZ chief executive Fiona Allan said.

“To have a brand like Harvey Norman get behind us, helping tell our story and raising funds through such a successful national network, is incredible.

“We could not be more grateful for their commitment to the Spirit of Gold Initiative and to growing Para-Sport across New Zealand.”

The fundraising involvement of Harvey Norman, established in 1982 in Auburn in New South Wales, comes after confectionery giants Cadbury pledged their financial support to the campaign in February.

“The Harvey Norman family is excited to be supporting our New Zealand Paralympians,” Graeme Watt, general manager electrical at Harvey Norman, added.

“Paralympics New Zealand’s Spirit of Gold Initiative is a world class programme and our approx 2,000 staff here in New Zealand are incredible at getting stuck in for a good cause.

“Their efforts combined with our normal advertising and website will be raising awareness for this great organisation whilst collecting donations, selling merchandise, begging our suppliers, holding bake off’s and hosting gala dinners to strive towards our fundraising target.”