Media release for immediate use 25 May 2010

‘St Practice Day’ Raises $16,000 for City Mission Redevelopment

The Christchurch City Mission Redevelopment has benefited to the tune of more than $16,000 thanks to proceeds from the second Bog St Practice Day fundraiser held in mid-March.

A main and silent auction contributed the majority of the funds raised in the event held on the eve of St Patrick’s Day. The most keenly contested item was a trip for two to Dublin with one week’s accommodation and a tour of the Guinness brewery, which sold for $5,800.

Bog General Manager Orla Carroll says this year’s event was another success.

“It’s great to be able to help the team at the Christchurch City Mission, especially when you consider the fantastic work they do in the local community,” she says. “In true Irish fashion it was a great night that was enjoyed by all.

“Everyone was definitely in the mood to give generously and we hope the money raised will go some way towards helping the Mission’s planned redevelopment become a reality. We are truly grateful to everyone who purchased tickets and bid on the auction items,” she says.

Iain Harvey, Campaign Executive Chairman for the Christchurch City Mission Redevelopment, says the St Practice Day event has made an immediate difference.

“We are so grateful to the team at The Bog and all our other supporters who have given their time, product, and hard work to help organise such a fun and worthwhile event,” he says. “The Christchurch City Mission has been at the heart of our city since 1898 and has become a vital social service provider.

“The Mission no longer has the facilities or the space to meet the needs of the community. The buildings are outdated, dilapidated and too small. The City Mission needs to be prepared for the future and the money raised at the St Practice Day will help us do this,” says Iain Harvey.

The City Mission has worked with architects to create a design for a new building that will improve and expand its service to Christchurch, and allow it to provide a safer environment for clients, volunteers and staff.

The new building will feature a Detoxification Centre, Women’s Alcohol and Drug Centre, Women’s Day Centre, Men’s Night Shelter and Day Centre, Reception and Food Bank. $10.5 million needs to be raised through fundraising and grants to pay for it.

Max Bremner, Managing Director of a group of Christchurch bars including the Bog, says the City Mission will now be the charity of choice across all of his bars and they will hold regular fund raising events to help raise money for the Mission.

The cheque will be presented to the Christchurch City Mission at 6:30pm on 25 May at The Bog.

For more information visit www.cityatheart.co.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media