$51,000 raised in Paris for Christchurch Plunket kids

An auction held in Paris yesterday has raised $51,000 for Plunket children and families in Christchurch.

New Zealand amphibious boat manufacturer Sealegs auctioned off the first of its limited edition All Blacks series amphibious boats and donated all profits to Plunket.

Jenny Prince, Plunket Chief Executive says Plunket’s current focus is on getting Christchurch based services up and running and to provide assistance to Christchurch’s families and children.

“A number of our Plunket premises in Christchurch have been severely damaged by the 22 February earthquake - some have been completely destroyed.

“A lot of our nurses and their families in Canterbury were directly affected by the earthquake, but many are also providing support to Christchurch families with young children. Nurses from rural Canterbury are assisting in Christchurch where possible.

“While normal services are still suspended in Christchurch we are working with a number of other organisations to provide as many services as possible when and where needed,” she said

“Since the quake, many families have relocated out of Christchurch and we’re noticing an increase in demand for services in Ashburton, Timaru, Dunedin and Nelson and the money raised in the auction will make an enormous difference to these services Plunket can offer to the families of Christchurch and those that have fled to outlying regions, and are seeking Plunket support.”

Plunket is operating walk in centres for any parents wanting to see a Plunket Nurse, Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm at:
· Cowles Stadium, 170 Pages Road, Christchurch
· Plunket Family Centre, 5 Twigger Street, Addington, Christchurch

Plunket clients who have left Christchurch are encouraged to contact the local Plunket office or clinic in their new location, or to phone PlunketLine (0800 939 922) to re-establish contact with Plunket.