New Zealand Corporates Raise $1M for Canterbury

New Zealand Corporates Raise $1M for Canterbury

New Zealand businesses were out in force last night at the Canterbury Benefit Dinner, raising a million dollars for victims of the devastating Canterbury earthquake.

The dinner which was supported by the Prime Minister, attracted significant backing from corporate New Zealand through auction items and asking corporates to bid for the celebrity of their choice from an impressive list representing all sectors spanning sports, the arts, media and fashion.

The dinner was held at the SKYCITY Convention Centre which in addition to the food was provided at no cost. Lion Nathan provided all of the alcohol and Air New Zealand helped to fly celebrities to Auckland from as far away as Melbourne.

Mayor Bob Parker attended in person and was delighted that every dollar raised from ticket sales and auction items went directly to the Canterbury Mayoral Fund to assist Canterbury people start to recover.

“Many people are facing having to rebuild their homes, their businesses and in fact their lives. The financial toll will be far reaching. Thankfully many generous New Zealanders and businesses want to help the region get back on its feet as does this Government.”

As the auction items drew to a close, it was declared $888,000 had been raised. The Prime Minister featured highly in the items with a separate lunch and a dinner package for 10 people fetching close to $76,000 combined, a Fairfax advertising package sold for $65,000 and a New Zealand Olympic Committee experience for the 2012 Olympics raised over $40,000.

However within moments of the total being announced SKYCITY had put up the balance ensuring a total of $1m was raised from the night.

One hundred percent of the funds raised will go to the Canterbury Mayoral Fund.

ENDS

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