Aotearoa Society Rarotonga Christchurch Earthquake Appeal

The Aotearoa Society Rarotonga has today announced an Earthquake Appeal for the stricken people of Christchurch.
To start this initiative, and as a sign of respect , Committee Members have raised the New Zealand flag and it flies at half mast at their Centre in Tupapa.
On Saturday morning you will see committee members, association members and volunteers with any kiwi connection roaming the streets with official Appeal buckets. A central site for the Saturday appeal is currently being worked on, but you will see volunteers with official Aotearoa Buckets and identification at the Punangi Nui Market, downtown Avarua and several other areas.
Aotearoa Society Treasurer, Tracey O’Brien has enlisted support already from Chris Wicks at the ANZ bank, whom has confirmed that the bank will generously process all funds raised directly to the NZ Red Cross appeal account free of charge. Other corporate support is being sourced today.
Committee members Ted Nia & Jo Bevin believe many people here in Rarotonga will have strong connections to Christchurch. Nia himself spent many years at Canterbury University and is devastated that so many beautiful buildings and much history has been lost. But most importantly that the people of Christchurch are suffering so much trauma and loss.
The committee also feels that the need for immediate funds for the stricken Cantabrians is of utmost importance and this is the reason for starting their own initiative this weekend.
So they ask for anyone that can assist in any way on Saturday or indeed where you can make donations to please give them a call. Tracey 77056, Jo 22425/55527 - Aotearoa Executive Committee

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