Virgin Flight Nets Thousands For City Mission

Media release, for immediate release, Thursday 5 February 2004

VIRGIN FLIGHT NETS THOUSANDS FOR CITY MISSION

A trans-Tasman auction has raised enough funds to run the Christchurch City Mission for just over half a day.

The auction took place on Pacific Blue's inaugural return flight between Christchurch and Brisbane last Thursday (29 January). It raised $3,800 for the century old Christchurch charity.

"We are delighted with the result of the auction and are extremely thankful not only to Pacific Blue for choosing to support the City Mission, but also to those on the flights who took part in the auction and donated funds," says Christchurch City Missioner Canon David Morrell.

The leading items up for grabs were three package holidays. One package holiday for two to Brisbane including flights, accommodation and car rental, was auctioned during the Christchurch to Brisbane flight. It sold for $1,000 to Christchurch businessman, Mr Graham Heenan. Two other package holidays to Christchurch were auctioned off on the return leg.

The money raised will go towards the $7,000 it costs to run the City Mission's 19 services each day, including the night-shelter, specialist addiction services, budgeting services and the foodbank.

"These services provide support to Christchurch's most vulnerable, giving them a hand up, not a hand out. This financial support from Pacific Blue and the Christchurch public allows us to keep helping people to help themselves," says Canon David Morrell.

ENDS

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