Blessed: Frankie and Kira, both nine, look forward to this weekend’s fundraiser with, from left in the background, Danny Krivan, Alison Wong, Joanne Durgy and Chloe Krivan.
ERIN PEARSON
PROVIDING respite to New Zealand earthquake victims has inspired a Newtown church to host a fundraiser this weekend, according to organisers.
Alison Wong said St David’s Uniting Church had brought over New Zealand families to help them recover, so it was acutely aware of victims’ financial plight.
Ms Wong, who moved to Australia from New Zealand last year, said thousands of people were still struggling after February’s 6.3-magnitude earthquake.
“New Zealand’s a small place and if we don’t know each other then we know someone who does, so when something like this happens it affects the whole country,” she said.
“People are living in real hardship with grass growing in their homes, large holes open to wind and rain and liquidation flooding homes still standing. I have friends who knew people who died and another whose cousin was caught under the rubble and survived.”
Ms Wong said New Zealanders were “really blessed” to have Geelong’s help.
This weekend’s fundraiser would feature an auction of Maori weavings, “Kiwiana” films and musicians performing traditional and popular New Zealand songs, she said.
“Musician Danny Krivan grew up in Christchurch before moving to Geelong age 18 and performer Christine Redpath was in Christchurch with her family when the quake hit. They’ll both feature at the fundraiser.”
Ms Wong said entry would be free but guests could make tax-deductible donations, with the fundraiser beginning 2pm Sunday.
