Second Radio-Thon For Christchurch Earthquake

MEDIA RELEASE (28 September 2010)

“Second Radio-Thon For Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Fund”

Due to numerous complaints from the public that they were not given enough time to organise their donations to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Fund, the Coordinating Committee has decided to hold another Radio-thon. This will be held between 11.00am and 1.00pm on Thursday, 30 September.

The Radio-thon that was held last Saturday raised a total of $833,867.45.

The Chair of the Coordinating Committee, Busby Kautoke, who is also the Chief Secretary and Secretary to Cabinet said, “We are very grateful to the members of the public for their generous donations that we have received so far. We are particularly indebted to the Ministry of Education for the fund –raising that was held by schools. We are also indebted to the students of Tonga High School, student teachers of the Tonga Institute of Education, as well as to the students and brass band from the Tonga College Atele, for their tireless work in collecting donations on the streets on Saturday.”

The Committee is currently following up pledges that were made via telephone by church congregations, kava clubs, government departments, as well letters of appeal that were sent to business houses.

The Deputy Chair of the Coordinating Committee, Paula Taumoepeau, who is also the President of the Tonga Chamber of Commerce, said that the second radio-thon on Thursday gives the public a final opportunity to make their donations before the total amount is transferred to Christchurch on Friday, 1st October.

The second radio-thon will again be broadcast nationally on TBC Radio A3Z. It will be held at the same location next to the Talamahu Market and will begin after the official closing of the 2010 session of the Legislative Assembly.

ENDS