We love the Islands – Wellington gives $41,000

Wellingtonians showed their love and support for the people of Samoa by raising $41,120 towards the tsunami recovery effort at the city’s recent I love the Islands concert.

The sold-out concert, attended by 2000 people, on Labour Day Monday, was the last in a series of concerts throughout the country to raise money for the victims of the tsunami that devastated Samoa on 30 September. It featured rappers Scribe and Savage and many of the city’s businesses and organisations, including the City Council, supported the concert by donating their services.

Mayor Kerry Prendergast says the generosity and support shown by Wellingtonians is amazing. “We have seen a fantastic outpouring of love and money for the people of Samoa. People have donated their time and Wellingtonians from all backgrounds stood alongside and supported our Samoan community during their time of need.”

Concert organising committee member Pati Umaga says the support from Wellingtonians and other New Zealanders has been overwhelming. We would like to especially thank all our sponsors. Without your generosity, the concert in Wellington would not have been possible. “Hours after the tsunami, people across the country were talking about how we could mobilise quickly to help. This is how the series of tsunami relief concerts were born. People then stood by our people to show the love and to make a difference to those who lost so much.

“We were overwhelmed by the organisations and volunteers who helped us out for free in particular our artists who shared their talent with our community. But most of all we would like to thank our friends, families and community here in Wellington for your support by attending our concert.”

The total amount raised by the five I love the Islands concerts in is still being collated. All money raised will go to the Samoa Tsunami 2009 appeal

ENDS

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