'Give An Hour' To Help Christchurch Children
Variety Bash fundraising redirected to earthquake relief

Variety – The Children’s Charity has launched a ‘Give an Hour’ appeal for donations to help children affected by the earthquake.

“Many Christchurch children will have lost parents, many of their homes and schools are damaged,” says Lorraine Taylor, CEO, Variety – The Children’s Charity. “Their loss is immense. Variety has always been there when it’s needed most and that time is now. We are encouraging people around the world to ‘Give an Hour’ of their salary to help these children. Hopefully everyone can spare at least one hour and take a few minutes to give generously at this time of great sadness.”

Donations to the ‘Give an Hour’ appeal can be made online at www.varietynz.org.nz/christchurchearthquake or by contacting Variety on 0800 454 371 or +64 9 520 4111. 100% of donations will go directly to children in Christchurch.

Variety will also be directing funds from upcoming events to help children affected by the earthquake in Christchurch, including the Variety Bash. The Variety Bash kicks off on Saturday, 5 March and will be travelling from the Bay of Plenty to the Bay of Islands, raising thousands of dollars in towns it passes along the way, and this money will now go towards earthquake relief.

From 3-16 March, Variety is running a Bash charity auction on TradeMe with all proceeds going to help children in Christchurch. Unique items include a trip to the cinema with Shortland Street stars, the opportunity to ‘toss your boss’ from the Auckland Harbour Bridge or Queenstown Bungy, or a personalised poem written just for you by renowned New Zealand poet Bill Manhire, so we encourage people to get bidding for a good cause.

“Variety has begun to work with schools and partner organisations in Christchurch to determine the short and long term needs of these children and the local community, " continues Taylor. "Funds may be needed to replace mobility and medical equipment for children with special needs, provide specialised equipment for schools damaged by the quake or to help children cope with the loss, and Variety will be there to fill these gaps.”

In summary – How you can help the children in Christchurch
1. 'Give an Hour' of your salary by donating online at www.varietynz.org.nz/christchurchearthquake
2. Bid on the Variety Bash charity auction running on TradeMe from 3-16 March

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