Pipitea Marae collecting donated items for Christchurch

Due to an overwhelming response to the call for aid, Pipitea Marae have volunteered its premises not only as a refuge for weary quake evacuees, but also as a collection depot for donated items intended for whānau still in Christchurch.

“Our thanks to everyone who found time today to take their donated items to Te Puni Kōkiri. These items are currently on the way to Christchurch, and will form part of the wider collection effort”, says Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri i te Reo Māori Glenis Philip-Barbara. “Our thanks to Te Puni Kōkiri for providing their premises today”

Pipitea Marae are currently erecting a marquee on the marae ātea, and, more donated items can be deposited there from now. The list for these items has been extended and is detailed in the attached.

Pipitea Marae are currently expecting around 35 people to arrive from the airport within the next ½ hr. And within the next couple of hours a ferry is arriving with around 600 people. It is expected that around 150 of these passengers will be staying at the marae overnight.

“The people arriving are understandably distressed. They need whatever support we are able to give,” Pipitea Marae Trustee, Mrs Aroha Thorpe said.

The call is now out for personal items to support these evacuees. Those items include:

- Shaving cream

- Razors

- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss

- Deodorant, hairbrushes, combs, sanitary items, tissues etc

- New underwear

- Recycled shopping bags.

Hold off on clothing/footwear/blankets and food as the marae have these in abundance.

Volunteers are welcome to help in the kitchen. Again ring ahead of your attendance – Paul Retimanu, 0274 512 186.

New location details for supply items destined for Christchurch:

Where: Pipitea Marae, 53 Thorndon Quay

(opposite Gateway Centre)

When: 25 February all day

Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust are still taking food supplies for other Wellington hosting venues.

Location details for kai items destined for hosting venues across Wellington:

Where: Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust, 67 Hankey St,

Mount Cook

When: 25 February all day

ENDS

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