MEDIA ALERT Monday 28th March 2011

BANDS 4 HOPE raises a quarter of a million dollars for Christchurch in just over a week

BANDS 4 HOPE, launched just over a week ago, has already raised over a quarter of a million dollars for the Christchurch Mayoral Earthquake Fund so far. More than 50,000 red and black wristbands (BANDS 4 HOPE) have sold since Friday 18th March, with many high profile people showing support, including Prince William and Prime Minister John Key.

The BANDS 4 HOPE appeal has been organised and fully funded by TelstraClear and it hopes to raise at least $1 million for the Fund. The company has donated 200,000 wristbands that New Zealanders and others around the world can wear to show their support for the people of Christchurch.

Cantarbrians, followed by Aucklanders, have been the biggest donors so far, with two bands being bought in Canterbury for everyone in Auckland.

Volunteer ambassador, radio and television personality and Christchurch resident, Simon Barnett, says the response thus far is phenomenal:

"I'm seeing BANDS 4 HOPE on people all over Christchurch. For us the bands symbolise the community spirit here, a spirit of solidarity. I just really encourage all Kiwis to buy a BAND 4 HOPE, it's such a simple way of helping rebuild Christchurch, one step, one brick, one band at a time."

The BANDS 4 HOPE appeal also has generated a strong online following with more than 7,500 'likes' and 1.5 million views on Facebook in a week. John Key has 'liked' the BANDS 4 HOPE appeal on Facebook and U.S. musician and surfer Donovan Frankenreiter, was pictured on the site wearing his bands following his concert in Auckland last week. A number of other high profile ambassadors have lent their support both in New Zealand and abroad.

As soon as Prince William arrived for the memorial service in Christchurch he donned one of each colour and wore them for the duration of his trip. Bob Parker has praised the initiative and the appeal is being backed by other well known New Zealanders including the entire NZ Breakers team, Gary McCormick, Jeremy Corbett and the cast of 7 Days, Go Girls Actress Alix Bushnell and TV personality Brooke Howard-Smith.

BANDS 4 HOPE can be purchased with a donation from $5 at www.bands4hope.co.nz or at participating New Zealand PostShops. In the first week, almost 70% of the bands have been bought from New Zealand PostShops with the rest from online sales. 100% of funds raised go to the Christchurch Mayoral Earthquake Fund.

-ENDS-

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