12 July 2011

Appeal Trust working with Christchurch groups

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal trustees have identified more projects that could benefit from the Appeal fund, now at more than $90 million.

Details are being finalised now. Final agreements will cover the way the money will be paid, the work to be done, and the accountability of those spending the donated money.

The trust is continuing to raise money from New Zealand and overseas donors to support projects for the recovery of the Christchurch community that go beyond the support already provided from the Government.

The projects include:

  • Kick-start retail in the Central City with pop-up stores in moveable infrastructure. (Working with Christchurch Central City Business Association)
  • Women at Risk (Working with Women’s Refuge  to understand their needs and how best to support them – focussing on women in Canterbury)
  • Free temporary accommodation for community organisations and small businesses displaced by the earthquakes. (To be part of a business and community hub being developed. Examples of users are the Cancer Society and Epilepsy New Zealand).
  • Arts in Schools – (increasing outreach for school children by the Christchurch Arts Festival).
  • A mixed-use community facilities venue for children in the eastern suburbs. (The trustees are working to identify a suitable project to be consistent with large donations made to support this purpose).
  • The trust has already agreed to provide:
    •  $3.5m to restore playing fields in Christchurch
    • $554,000 to Sports Canterbury to establish seven recreation hubs at seven site-sharing schools (all seven are open and operating).

 Media contact: Tony Wallace 027 440 2667