January 5 2005

Christchurch partygoers show their support for tsunami victims

In a show of New Year generosity, Christchurch’s Cathedral Square revellers gave more than $5,500 to help victims of Asia’s Boxing Day earthquake and tsunami.

Thousands of partygoers attending the Anthony Harper Lawyers New Year’s Eve Party in the Square dug deep into their pockets, offering over 50kg in loose change to around 20 Oxfam collectors who worked their way through the crowd.

Christchurch City Council’s Events Team Leader, Islay McLeod, said "It was an extremely positive atmosphere with donations encouraged and applauded as people enjoyed the party."

As the tsunami death toll continues to climb past 140,000, donations are enabling aid agencies to support those who now need immediate assistance, including people who lost family or who are now homeless along Asia’s coasts. In the coastal villages of Indonesia’s worst affected region, Aceh, as many as 80% of the population were killed and the survivors are living on coconuts.*

Oxfam New Zealand’s Advocacy Manager, Shuna Lennon, said Oxfam has now raised more than $56 million worldwide and in excess of $620 thousand in New Zealand, but more donations are needed to sustain the relief effort across the huge areas affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

The Council is accepting cash donations for tsunami victims on behalf of the Red Cross at its Civic Offices in Tuam Street and at Council Service Centres at Beckenham, Fendalton, Linwood, Papanui, Riccarton, Shirley and Sockburn. Opening hours vary but all locations are open weekdays from 9am to 5pm. Donations can also be made to Oxfam by phone on 0800 400 666 or online at www.oxfam.org.nz.

ENDS

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