Donations to Council boost Red Cross tsunami appeal

Christchurch City Council's collection for victims of the South Asian earthquake and tsunami has so far raised more than $18,000. Staff at Council offices have taken an average of around $1,600 a day in donations from Christchurch people since the collection began.

The Council set up donation points on behalf of the Red Cross at its Civic offices and at seven Council Service Centres soon after the scale of the disaster became apparent, to make it easy for local residents to make cash donations in person.

In addition to the $18,000 given so far, around $6,500 has also been collected at Council events including Sunday's Memorial Day open-air service in Cathedral Square that raised $900. Volunteers from Oxfam collected around $5,500 from the crowds at the Council's New Year's Eve event also held in the Square.

Christchurch Mayor Garry Moore says the Council has been pleased to help the Red Cross by providing local donation points across the city. "The volume of donations we've received shows how much the tsunami tragedy has affected us all. People want to help in whatever ways they can, and the money the Council has collected will help the Red Cross provide vital support to survivors rebuilding their lives, including the families of those who died."

The New Zealand Red Cross tsunami appeal has now received donations totalling $6.5 million. The Council continues to accept donations at its Civic Offices, 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.

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