Council President Richard Conlin
Seattle-Christchurch Sister City Association raises $45,000 for Christchurch earthquake assistance
SEATTLE – Today Council President and Sister City Liaison Richard Conlin applauded the fundraising efforts of the Seattle-Christchurch Sister City Association and New Zealand expatriates. Since the February 22 earthquake, $45,000 has been raised to help the people of Christchurch.
"I am staggered at the generosity of our people and am so very grateful," said Brian Palliser, former President of the Christchurch-Seattle Sister City Board in Christchurch.
The Seattle–Christchurch Sister City has been working with their counterpart organization in Christchurch to identify how best to contribute the current funds. Already decided upon, three specific projects will receive $5,000 each:
- Princes Project Pad and Princesses of Hope Project
Funding will be provided for meals, clothing, free school lunches and school materials as well as interim housing to children who live in Aranui, Wainoni and Bexley, three of the hardest hit neighborhoods in Christchurch. Many of these families have and continue to endure lost jobs due to destruction of their places of work, houses rendered uninhabitable by earthquake damage and social disruption due to the dispersion of families and friends.
- Chisnallwood Intermediate School and Shirley Intermediate School
Funding will allow Chisnallwood Intermediate School to send 40 students and teachers and Shirley Intermediate School to fund 23 students and teachers to the 8th annual national sports competition sponsored by the Association of Intermediate and Middle Schools. The competition runs August 28 to September 2. The sporting championships give 11-13 year old students an opportunity to compete as an individual or as a team against the best of their age in New Zealand in 15 different sports. The students have endured much trauma and disruption due to the earthquakes and this provides them the opportunity to participate in a positive experience and helps the schools rebuild morale.
"This fundraising effort truly expresses the spirit of the Sister City relationship. The people of Christchurch and Seattle have many ties. It is important that we help them in this time of need," added Conlin.
Remaining funds will be allocated through a joint decision between the two associations as needs are immediate and long term.
Donations are still being collected to help the people of Christchurch. Checks can be sent to SCSSA PO Box 51059, Seattle, WA 98115.
Read an article and view a photo from New Zealand’s local media on the awards of these funds.
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