20 May 2011

With just two days to go to the Christchurch earthquake, telethon event organisers and presenters are gearing up for a huge 12 hours of music, entertainment and memories on Sunday (22 May).

The Rise Up Christchurch – Te Kotahitanga telethon kicks off at 9am on Māori Television with the support of hundreds of Kiwis who have freely given of their time and talents to publicise the post-earthquake plight of the people of Christchurch.

Rise Up Christchurch ambassador and Maori Television head of programming Carol Hirschfeld says the support for the event has been nothing short of amazing.

“Christchurch, you can take heart that the rest of New Zealand hasn’t forgotten about you three months on. The support has been incredible and donations have been rolling in already. We’re so excited about Sunday and look forward to being able to make an enormous contribution to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal fund.”

Events take place at Trusts Stadium Arena in Auckland, Te Papa in Wellington and CBS Arena in Christchurch. Those in the area are urged to get down to their local events for a day of top-class entertainment for a great cause.

In addition to A-list bands, fashion shows and dance challenges, Kiwis will also get the chance to see some of their favourite celebrities.

In Wellington, Sir Ian McKellen is making a live appearance at Te Papa. He’s bringing with him a copy of Tolkien’s The Hobbit, signed by the film’s cast, which will be auctioned on sella.co.nz. Later in the day, Telethon viewers will get to see a unique glimpse behind the scenes of The Hobbit film with a specially-shot short film.

Many famous faces have lent their support to the Rise Up Telethon event, including Neil Finn, Prince Edward, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga. Even more will take on Telethon challenges on Sunday

TV’s Ben Boyce has been challenged to chop off his trademark dreads, while Auckland mayor Len Brown has challenged All Black and Blues lock Ali Williams to streak a sports match in his Spiderman suit.

Then there’s Candy Lane’s dare to Shane Cameron and Roger Farrelly (and special surprise guests) to show their footwork on the dance floor. Actress Robyn Malcolm, Breakers star Kirk Penny, Almighty Johnsons star Ben Barrington and comedian Mike King are just some of the many other celebs who are stepping up for the challenge on live TV.

Online, things are hotting up at www.sella.co.nz in the Rise Up auction. Bids for Lady Gaga’s shoes have climbed to more than $2,500, Katy Perry’s guitar is up to $1,500 while the footballers’ dream Manchester United package has already reached $4,000.

Other items donated for the auction include a year’s supply of Tip Top ice cream, a L’Oréal Paris pamper pack, a 2010 signed All Blacks jersey and top fashion items from designers including Karen Walker and Claire Kingan Jones.

If you can’t make it to a venue or watch the telethon on Māori TV, you can follow it online at www.riseup.org.nz.

Rise Up Christchurch –Te Kotahitanga is a 12-hour global telethon for Christchurch beginning at 9am, on Sunday 22 May. Supported by Fonterra, it is being broadcast on Maori Television from Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington, with live crosses to regional centres and global activities in London, Los Angeles and Sydney.

For more information, see www.riseup.org.nz

ENDS

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