NICK.BROOK@cluthaleader.co.nz
From the deep South to the Far North, Clutha residents have raised thousands for Far North communities in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
In February, Clutha Mayor Bryan Cadogan committed to assisting the Far North and called on Clutha businesses and residents to also show their support.
‘‘It’s fantastic but I’m not surprised to see the generosity of our community and local businesses in supporting fellow Kiwis affected by the cyclone.
‘‘It will be a long road to recovery and it’s heartening to know that together we’re playing a part in that recovery,’’ Mr Cadogan said.
The total raised so far is more than $3200, with more funds still to come in.
Local institutions including the Clutha District Council, Blue Mountain College, Clutha Health First, Fonterra Stirling and Clutha Vets held a range of events including barbecues, mufti-days, raffles and the donation of local pool entry fees, while countless local individuals and businesses supported or donated to events.
Kaitangata restaurant and pub establishment The Crescent Bar and Grill created an event to assist in the relief fund by hosting a book-in set roast dinner and dessert.
Co-owner of the business Jen McDonald said the team raised $1000 and every penny was donated straight to the relief fund bank account.
She said she was ‘‘pleased’’ with the business making the sum of money as it was for ‘‘such an important cause’’ and she was proud of the people who backed and assisted in making the dinner event happen.
Far North Kahika (Mayor) Moko Tepania said the Far North had been ‘‘blown away’’ by the efforts of communities and councils across New Zealand to help out fellow Kiwis as part of the adopt-a-community initiative.
‘‘Our mayoral relief fund continues to be used to cover a huge range of needs identified by our whanau in the Far North as we recover from Cyclone Gabrielle,’’ Mayor Tepania said.
‘‘From the Far North to Clutha, arohanui and thank you so much.’’
The adopt-a-community campaign matched councils unaffected by Cyclone Gabrielle with a council and community badly hit, with the focus on driving donations directly to the adopted community’s mayoral relief funds.
Donations can still be made to the Far North Mayoral Relief Fund bank account: 12 3244 0022509 04, reference: MRF and Gabrielle
