NZ owners of iconic London skyscraper launch Chch fundraiser

NZ owners of iconic London skyscraper launch Christchurch fundraiser

Two New Zealand businessmen in London are hosting a charity stair climb at London’s iconic “Gherkin” skyscraper to raise over $500,000 for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

Up to 1000 participants will be sponsored to climb the 1037 steps up the 38 floors to the panoramic viewing gallery at the top of the 180 metre high world famous tower.

The 22 May 200 event, Step Up 4 Christchurch, is being arranged by Evans Randall who are the co-owners of the Gherkin. Evans Randall, an investment banking and private equity group is owned by New Zealanders Kent Gardner and Paul Kendrick, both of whom had family and friends badly affected by the 22 February quake. The event will be held exactly 3 months after the devastating earthquake hit Christchurch.

“Our aim was to do something significant – to make a difference. Funds are urgently needed and Step Up 4 Christchurch is a great way to help. We’re urging not only New Zealanders in the UK but everyone to take part, come along on the day and help make a difference for the thousands of people in Christchurch whose lives were devastated by this disaster” Kent Gardner said.

Step Up 4 Christchurch will be a New Zealand-flavoured family day with entertainment, live music, food and drinks. The stair climb is open to climbers of different abilities, runners and walkers, with the added opportunity to make a donation to take the lift.

“It’s a unique opportunity to view the City from a magnificent vantage spot – a total 360 degree panoramic view of London which is normally closed to the public”, Mr Gardner said.

Although a UK-based company, Evans Randall has strong ties to New Zealand. Two of three partners, Kent Gardner and Paul Kendrick are New Zealanders as well as several of the staff. The company has conducted business here also Evans Randall has donated $100,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal and is covering all costs of the event so all monies go directly to the appeal fund.

“Every Kiwi in London will know of someone who has been affected by the earthquake, so please Step Up 4 Christchurch and help rebuild the places at the heart of the Christchurch community and support those who have lost.” said Mr Gardner.

His Excellency Derek Leask, the New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK, launched the event at a breakfast event held in London on the top floor of the Gherkin on Friday 15th April. The event was attended by representatives of many of the corporate who are supporting the event and entering teams and who have donated directly to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal, including CBRE, Clifford Chance, SJ Berwin, KPMG and Bedells.

“Step Up 4 Christchurch is a great initiative and one that I know the New Zealand community in the UK will give its full support.” Mr Leask said.

Full details of the day and how to register for the stair climb can be found at www.stepup4christchurch.com

STEP UP 4 CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE APPEAL

Join the charity stair climb and help those affected by New Zealand’s devastating earthquake at:

"The Gherkin"
30 St Mary Axe
London EC3A 8EP

Sunday 22nd May 2011, 10.00am-2.30pm (exactly 3 months after the devastating earthquake hit Christchurch)

* 1,037 steps
* 38 floors
* For adults and children
* Register and make a donation to run, walk or take the lift
* Once registered, get your family, friends and colleagues to sponsor you for taking part
* A rare chance to see London from the top of the City’s iconic tower
* A New Zealand-flavoured family day out with entertainment, live music, food, drink and more

Kiwi or Londoner, visitor or local, no matter where you’re from, the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal urgently needs your support. When a devastating earthquake hit Christchurch, New Zealand on 22 February 2011, it killed more than 180 people and injured thousands more, causing widespread destruction, destroying 10,000 homes and cutting off essential services. All proceeds from Step Up 4 Christchurch Appeal, including donations made on registering and sponsorship for participating, will go directly to the New Zealand Government Christchurch Appeal.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal is a Charitable Trust held with the Charities Aid Foundation. CAF is a charity established under English law and registered at the Charity Commission under charity registration number 268369.

ENDS

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