People's generosity keeps cash rolling in

GEORGINA STYLIANOU

Last updated 05:00 30/03/2011

 

Fundraising efforts for the Christchurch earthquake appeal continue to flourish around the country and the world.

Former Christchurch woman Melina Laredo, who lives in Chicago, organised a silent auction and then hosted an event at the Feast Bar and Restaurant that together raised NZ$37,000 for Christchurch.

Laredo, who grew up in Sumner, said she was delighted by the support that grew on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

"I'm a Kiwi through and through and it was heart-wrenching to see the footage of my city, and I just wanted to do something," she said. "The community here has been amazing and I cannot thank them enough."

Auction items included two signed jerseys, one from the All Blacks and one from American football star Payton Manning.

Laredo said donations were still being made via an online site, and the American New Zealand Association was in charge of the funds.

Association chairman Ian Phillips said the Chicago fundraising event pushed the association's total contribution to Christchurch's relief fund to just over NZ$750,000.

He said donations had come from all parts of the United States. "American generosity in times like this is legendary.

"Many of those who have helped have no direct connection with New Zealand but just want to do what they can," he said.

Another fundraiser before the Hong Kong rugby sevens last week raised more than NZ$270,000 for the quake appeal.

Former All Black Jon Preston said former Wallaby Nick Farr-Jones spoke at a Credit Suisse-hosted dinner at the Asian Investment Conference.

As part of the function, New Zealand businessman Sir Ralph Norris, chief executive of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, paid NZ$34,000 for a signed Crusaders rugby jersey.

In New Zealand, sushi chain St Pierre's has raised more than $24,000 for the appeal from $1 donations made from every cup of miso soup sold at its 30 stores nationwide.