$20,000 raised in Chch appeal

Press, 21 October 1978, Page 1

$20,000 raised in Chch appeal

Wet. cold weather notwithstanding, Christchurch people yesterday responded “magnificently” to the street appeal for victims of the Otago-Southland floods, and gave about $20,000, said the Associate Town Clerk (Mr M. W. Atkinson) last evening. The response to the appeal was “excellent,” Mr

Atkinson said. The unusual aspect of the appeal was the large number of notes — $1 and often more — in collectors’ boxes. One collection box even contained a Post Office cheque for $lOOB. It is not known whether it was from one person or was the result of an office or company collection.

Mr Atkinson also expressed thanks to the 600 collectors who took part in the street appeal yesterday. The response” to the City Council’s appeal for collectors to help with the appeal had been outstanding, he said. The appeal total at 5.30 p.m. yesterday was $17,000 plus, and Mr Atkinson said that he expected the total would probably be about $20,000 when counting was completed on Tuesday.

All the money collected during the appeal will be subject to a dollar-for-dollar subsidy by the Government. This will make the Christchurch effort worth about $40,000 to the people of Southland and Otago. Mr Atkinson said last evening that the Christchurch City Council, with other Christchurch councils, was still accepting gifts from the public. Money is also being accepted at the offices of the Municipal Electricity Department and at 'Radio Station 3ZB, Kent House. Durham Street.

People who did not give to the street appeal and who are not able to take a gift to the City Council offices can still post donations to the flood relief fund at P.O. Box 237, Christchurch. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr H. G. Hay) last evening expressed his thanks to all who had taken .part in and given money to the appeal. In particular, he paid tribute to the work of the City Council’s staff, who organised a major street appeal in little more than three days.

“It was made possible by the staff’s whole-hearted and enthusiastic efforts,” he said. “There has also been a great response from so many of the people of Christchurch.

“I would like to express the thanks of the City Council to the people of Christchurch,” Mr Hay said.