Mark Weldon, the Prime Minister’s personal representative on the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal has thanked the American New Zealand Association for their generous support.

The Chairman of the American New Zealand Association, Ian Phillips, has announced the Association will provide NZ $500,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust. The money was raised through fundraising efforts across the United States.

Mr Weldon said: “This is a great example of Americans’ legendary generosity.

“The American New Zealand Association has requested that this donation be spent in the area of education, and there is much to be done in this area. With many schools still shut, others are operating double shifts, meaning about 15,000 students are attending either morning or evening classes.

Many of them have to travel a long way from home, and they are unable to take part in afterschool sports or music classes. Other important educational facilities like computers, musical instruments and sports fields are completely ruined.

“The Trust will work with the American New Zealand Association and the Ministry of Education to identify places and programmes where this generous donation can make a real difference to the lives of Christchurch students and their parents.”

Donate at www.quakeappeal.com

ENDS

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