Kiwis Wear Silver Symbol of Compassion, Raise $68k for Chch

Kiwis Wearing a Silver Symbol of Compassion Raise $68,000 for Canterbury

Over 4500 New Zealanders who bought an inspirational charm symbolising compassion, strength, hope and unconditional love following the devastating Canterbury earthquakes have helped raise $68,000 for The Red Cross Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

This substantial donation has been achieved through the support of Evolve New Zealand customers who bought the unique sterling silver charm, ‘Aotearoa’s Heart’. $15 from the sale of each charm has gone to the appeal.

Evolve New Zealand owners Louise and Tim Laing say they have sold 4,534 Aotearoa’s Heart charms since they went on sale a year ago.

“We are overwhelmed by the support for Canterbury. I think Aotearoa’s Heart has been so popular because as well as donating to the earthquake appeal, it is a permanent and personal reminder of this historic time - symbolising how kiwis can overcome adversity together, says Louise.”

Louise says Aotearoa’s Heart was designed to represent compassion, strength, hope and unconditional love. “The simple koru engraved deep into the heart, connects the wearer with new beginnings and growth, inspiring them to move forward.”

Over 600 of the charms were bought in Canterbury and over 860 in Auckland.

Overall, 52% of these charms have been sold in the North Island which Louise believes reflects the desire that all New Zealanders have to support Christchurch in the rebuild.

“I think the spread of sales for the charm the length and breadth of New Zealand shows that’s that we are all connected somehow with Canterbury. This money from our customers and in partnership with Evolve New Zealand retailers represents a substantial number of people around New Zealand who chose to remember and support the people of Canterbury in a tangible way,” says Louise.

Aotearoa’s Heart charms have been sold to visitors to New Zealand and as far away as Scott Base shop in Antarctica.

Louise says “Our retailers have told us that many Aotearoa’s Hearts were sold to people overseas, either tourists who were here during the quakes or those who later visited the red zone in Christchurch, or simply those people with an affiliation to New Zealand or Canterbury who live overseas and wanted to help.”

“It’s poignant to think that over 4 and half thousand people are wearing Aotearoa’s Heart all around New Zealand , and internationally, as a reminder of a time of tragedy but also survival and hope. We wish to thank every single person who bought a heart as it was their purchase that contributed directly to make this donation, we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Louise and husband Tim would also like to thank the over 80 Evolve NZ retailers.

All of those who created, sold and bought Aotearoa’s Heart should feel immensely proud of helping to raise the $68,000,” says Louise Laing.

“Everyone at Evolve New Zealand has put their heart and soul into Aotearoa’s Heart and we are so proud that our customers and retailers have been so supportive and giving.”

Evolve NZ was started in 2007 by husband and wife team Louise and Tim Laing. Evolve New Zealand jewellery consists of high quality Sterling Silver, Gold, Murano glass and genuine New Zealand Pounamu (greenstone). The range is focused around charm bracelets, each telling a story that is inspired by Aotearoa. Sold in 80 NZ outlets nationwide.

The couple started as distributors for high-quality Italian-designed LINKeuro jewellery. Tim and Louise then saw a gap in the market for a contemporary charm bracelet that reflected what it is to be a New Zealander and Evolve NZ was born. For more information go to www.evolvenz.co.nz

ENDS

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