Fundraising for Christchurch comes from the most remote corners of New Zealand

Living and working in one of New Zealand’s most remote locations hasn’t stopped the people of Milford Sound from helping to raise almost $3,000 for the earthquake-stricken people of Christchurch.

Over the past fortnight, Milford Sound’s tiny community and visiting tourists have joined forces with local operators to raise cash through a series of events, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross New Zealand 2011 Earthquake Appeal.

The township’s Blue Duck Café and Bar attracted almost a hundred people to its unique Red and Black-themed charity event on Thursday 17 March, raising $2253 with live music and auction prizes from Southern Discoveries, Skyline, AJ Hackett, Real Journeys, Star Dome Te Anau, Mitre Peak Lodge and Milford Sound Lodge.

A total of $515 has so far been collected from the Southern Discoveries’ Wharf counter and staff from the Blue Duck Café and Bar are generously donating all tips from March to the cause.

Southern Discoveries Operations Manager Ross MacDonald said it was important for people in every corner of New Zealand to come together and show their generosity in Christchurch’s hour of need.

“What’s been most heart-warming in the Earthquake aftermath is to see all kinds of people and businesses unite to do their bit in the efforts to clean up Christchurch and raise cash in some way,” he said.

“The girls and guys in Milford Sound have done fantastically well to raise this kind of money, from such a small place with such an international community it shows the warmth and support for Christchurch.

“At the Blue Duck charity event it was great to see so many people turned out in red and black. Even the band joined in the colour code!”