Phoenix Stars Up for Auction In Pakistan Appeal

United Nations Children’s Fund

MEDIA RELEASE

Wellington, 2 September 2010

Phoenix Stars Up for Auction to help UNICEF’s Emergency Response in Pakistan

Get access to the inside story on New Zealand’s World Cup success, grab some tips for your own game plan and help meet the needs of Pakistan’s children all with one dinner!

An evening with four of New Zealand’s most high-profile football stars is up for auction on TradeMe in a bid to raise funds to meet the rising needs of the Pakistan flood crisis.

The highest bidder will win a dinner for themselves and three others with Phoenix stars, Coach Ricki Herbert, UNICEF ambassador Leo Bertos, Vice-captain Tim Brown, and Captain Andrew Durante.

Funds from the auction will go directly to UNICEF’s emergency response in Pakistan, and the lucky winners will enjoy a free dinner at the popular Dockside restaurant and bar in Wellington’s Queen’s Wharf.

The humanitarian crisis in Pakistan caused by unprecedented flooding since late July has directly affected 17.2 million people, including an estimated 8.2 million children. A land area the size of Belgium, Austria and Switzerland combined has been affected destroying homes, schools and livelihoods.

In what is quickly becoming one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent years, the negative impact of the floods are rapidly multiplying as a disruption in water supplies and sanitation services threatens disease outbreaks, with reports of cases among children already emerging.

In addition to the loss of more than 4000 schools due to the flooding, nearly 5,000 more are being used as shelters for displaced people.

UNICEF leads the emergency response on the ground for water supply, sanitation, nutrition and child protection and is collaborating with partners to address education needs.

In a crisis where the statistics are overwhelming to say the least, immediate financial response is required to stem the extent of devastation and meet the needs of the millions of suffering people.
 
New Zealand has already put forward a generous hand towards relief efforts but still more is needed.

Put your love of football to good use by joining the bid to dine with four of the finest in the game and help UNICEF in the rescue for Pakistan’s children.
 

Check out the auction on http://www.trademe.co.nz/314771741  The auction closes on 11 September.

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