Art for heart’s sake
“This is the duty of our generation…solidarity with the weak, the persecuted, the lonely, the sick, and those in
despair.” Elie Wiesel
Carolyn Chisholm was so moved by the havoc wreaked in Myanmar that she set out to use her skills and connections to do
something to relieve the suffering of the men, women and children that we see suffering on our television screens, night
after night.
An artist, Carolyn has called on her creative community to donate valuable works of art, which will be auctioned at a
special event commemorating the victims of Cyclone Nargis and celebrating the work being done to restore their hope.
July 25 will see art by W.F. Moore, Stephanie Crisp, Burelli Pots, Rick Edmunds and others go under the hammer to
support World Vision’s emergency relief work in Myanmar.
"100% of the proceeds from this auction will go to World Vision's work in Myanmar. We chose World Vision because they
already had an established work on the ground there. We have a wonderful team of people helping with the auction,
because we all believe that every single dollar we raise will help”, says Carolyn.
One of only three agencies able to swing into action from day one, the World Vision team for the Cyclone Nargis
response, has procured and delivered more than 90,000 tarpaulins, more than 100,000 mosquito nets, and nearly 75,000
blankets, among other supplies. Nearly 600 metric tons of food has been distributed to more than 280,000 people. World
Vision is also providing support to affected children through 44 Child Friendly Spaces. Children are the most vulnerable
victims of disasters such as those experienced in Myanmar – as such the creation of places where they can feel safe,
cared for and where life has a semblance of normality is critical to their ongoing well-being.
“Despite the many obstacles, World Vision is getting the job done,” says Relief Manager, Steve Goudswaard. “World
Vision’s relief efforts are being carried out, despite heavy rains, poor road conditions and poor communications. In
some areas, aid workers are resorting to small boats to get aid to affected communities, travelling one to two hours by
boat between villages in the Delta.”
The money raised by New Zealanders such as Carolyn and her peers through their selfless donations will be much
appreciated by the World Vision team, says Graeme Newton, World Vision Business Manager based in Christchurch. “We’re in
there for the long haul – it’ll be two to three years before the country is back on its feet again following this
disaster – so as soon as the relief work comes to an end we’ll be working on long term solutions to restore the
infrastructure such as farming, health clinics, roads and schools. We will need all the financial support we can get to
support this work. We thank Carolyn for her initiative.”
What: Charity Arts Auction for Myanmar – something for everyone including children. New and pre-loved art available.
Who: Art donated for sale by W.F. Moore, Stephanie Crisp, Burelli Pots, Rick Edmund's and many others. Entertainment
by Naomi Ferguson, mulled wine and nibbles throughout the evening – gold coin entry for supper
Where: 150 Ferry Road, Christchurch
When: Silent auction from 7-9pm, Friday July 25th
ends