"Rebuilding" Fundraising Drive for Christchurch

"Rebuilding" Fundraising Drive for Christchurch Earthquake Victims

We, Chinese New Zealanders, would like to express our sympathies to the victims of the Christchurch earthquake.

The United Chinese Press, together with Skykiwi.com, Chinesetown.com, New Zealand Chinese New Settlers Services Trust, New Zealand Chinese Cultural Salon and MP Raymond Huo are joining hands to set up a "Rebuilding" disaster relief cash donation drive to help victims of the quake.

The effort is similar to what we have been doing for environmental disaster victims in China for decades. We believe that giving a helping hand is a part of our Chinese nature. We are also proud to do this as New Zealand is our home and country.

Mr Jerry Wen Yang, Chief Editor of The United Chinese Press, and one of the main drivers behind the charity appeal, said: “We have no reason not to lend a helping hand. When we are fully enjoying living in New Zealand, we realise that one day something may happen that requires us to give up something for this enjoyment. When we experience happiness as New Zealand residents, we understand that things may happen that require us to show a little gratitude in return.

“Many of us did not undergo the ardours of the pioneering experience, did not sweat to erect cities that now stand by the beaches, and did not much add their own special contribution to the glory and well-being of the country. This time around, we encounter a rare opportunity for us to return a favour to the country that took us in, and say “Ta” to the New Zealanders who have treated us so generously.”

Donations collected during the “Rebuilding” fundraising drive will go towards special hardship cases, that is, to needy families whose houses were damaged but were not covered by insurance, and therefore will not be receiving any compensation.

We welcome cash donations from individuals, corporations or from entities who may wish to organise their own collections and pass on the monies to us as a bulk donation.

An account has been set up to receive donations. The details are:
Bank: Kiwi Bank
Account title: Chinese New Settlers Services Trust
Account No: 38-9009-0279133-00
Donors who wish to hand in their cash donations can also visit the offices of or mail cheques to:
The United Chinese Press, Level 10, 175 Queen St, City; or
Skykiwi.com, Level 2, 228 Queen St, City; or
Chinesetown.com, Unit 13, 716 Great South Rd, Penrose; or
Chinese New Settlers Services Trust, 15-19 Clifton Court, Panmure.
The first-stage of the donation drive will end on 27 September, which is South Canterbury Anniversary Day. MP Raymond Huo will certify the amount collected and then hand the money over to a relevant disaster relief authority.

Names of all donors and their contributions will be published in The United Chinese Press, Skykiwi.com, Chinesetown.com and other Chinese media.

ENDS