HO CHI MINH CITY (2 March 2011) — As residents of Christchurch, New Zealand sift through the wreckage of their city, devastated last Tuesday by an earthquake that’s already claimed more than 150 dead, New Zealanders in Ho Chi Minh City are mobilizing in an effort to fund relief for the victims.

Organized by New Zealand expatriates and the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce, together with Chambers from other nations and sympathizers of all nationalities, the benefit will take place in the Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle Hotel Thursday, March 3, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The 300,000 VND entrance fee includes drinks and a snack. An auction and raffle will generate additional funds for survivors.

“Prime Minister John Key notes, quite rightly, that this is New Zealand’s darkest day,” said John Gardner, general manager of the Caravelle and a native of Christchurch. “In some small way, we here in Ho Chi Minh are capable of extending a little bit of brightness. That’s what Thursday night is all about.”

ENDS