Popular Irish singer raises $10,000 for Christchurch City Mission
Thursday 28 April 2011, 5:03PM
By New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival
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A one-off concert by Ireland’s leading jazz and blues singer has raised $10,000 for the Christchurch City Mission.
Mary Coughlan was originally due to perform in Christchurch at the New Zealand International Jazz & Blues Festival, but that festival was cancelled after the February 22 quake.
Determined to show her support for quake-hit Christchurch, Coughlan offered to perform a one-off concert in the city for no fee and with all the proceeds going to the Christchurch City Mission.
The concert is being held tonight at Burnside’s Aurora Centre.
“Mary’s generosity has meant we’ve managed to raise $10,000 for the Mission and we’ve also substantially boosted their food stocks, thanks to all those in the audience who donated non-perishable items of food,’’ says concert organiser Jodi Wright.
“There is a tremendous amount of need in the city at the moment and we’re thrilled that through this concert we’ve been able to provide some practical support to those in need,’’ Ms Wright says.