Media Design School Turns Red & Black for Christchurch

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Photo credits: Oliver Hilbert
Students and staff at Media Design School show off their red & black in support of the Canterbury earthquake relief effort.

Media Design School

Press release

4 March 2011

Auckland, New Zealand

Media Design School Turns Red & Black for Christchurch on Friday

Students and staff at Auckland’s Media Design School are dressing up in Red & Black today (March 4, 2011) for a very special Red & Black Mufti Day to raise funds for victims of the recent Christchurch earthquake.

The 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck Christchurch at 12.51pm on February 22, causing great damage to the city of Christchurch and taking many lives and the livelihoods of citizens in the process. The New Zealand government has pledged to rebuild Christchurch so it stands stronger and better than ever. Prime Minister Mr John Key has launched a global appeal for all nations to unite in helping Christchurch rise again from the ashes.

Laureate International Universities network, the global partner of Media Design School, has kicked off the school’s Red & Black Mufti Day with a pledge to donate $13,000 to the NZ Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal, the chosen charity for the fundraiser. Staff and students will also personally contribute with gold coin donations during the day.

“We are deeply saddened by this terrible tragedy and its national impact on families and communities throughout New Zealand,” said Douglas L. Becker, chairman and chief executive officer of Laureate Education. “The thoughts and prayers of students, faculty and staff throughout the Laureate International Universities network are with the people of New Zealand.”

Media Design School chief executive Frances Valintine is appealing to all staff and students to donate what they can to the fundraiser.

“Auckland may be 800km from Christchurch, but we felt the tremors in our hearts. We stand as one New Zealand now with our South Island family as they start to make sense of this terrible tragedy. Those whose lives have been lost in the quake will live on in our memories as we focus on helping to rebuild the city.

If everyone donates a few dollars today, we can raise enough to help make a difference in Christchurch and give hope to its citizens. Red and black are the Canterbury colours, so it’s the least we can do to visually show our support for a city we all love and hold dear.”

New Zealand observed two minutes of silence at 12.51pm on Tuesday, March 1, marking one week since the earthquake struck in Christchurch.

ENDS

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