Black T-Shirt Day for Christchurch

You can’t get much more Kiwi than a black t-shirt. Combine it with the universal ‘heart’ love symbol and you have a great icon in support of Christchurch earthquake victims.

Christchurch Heart t-shirts have been created so Kiwis can now wear their support for Christchurch earthquake victims.

New Zealanders are being urged to buy one and don it – or any black t-shirt – on National Black T-Shirt Day (Friday March 25) and make a donation to a charitable trust dedicated to helping in Christchurch.

The t-shirts are retailing for $25 with all profits after costs of around $13 going to the CHCH Heart Trust (www.chchheart.co.nz) which plans to distribute the funds through registered charities.

There are ample stocks in Ponsonby and most Auckland suburbs will receive deliveries progressively from this week. Those in other regions can purchase the black t-shirts online.

Co-organiser Deborah Kelland says ACP Magazines has partnered with the trust which has already signed up a number of celebrities for the cause.

“Woman’s Day magazine is right behind us and we are getting wonderful support from many well-known New Zealanders – John Hawkesby, Donna and Rob Fyfe, Dame Cath, Judy Bailey just to name a few.

“In fact this week’s Woman’s Day even features a t-shirt on the cover.”

A wide range of businesses are also supporting Black T-Shirt Day including Ms Kelland’s business Kellands Real Estate, ASB, Key Imports, Embroidery Works and NZ Couriers.

Ms Kelland says the t-shirts are being produced at cost and the people involved are donating their time for free. All funds will be distributed in Christchurch by registered charities.

She is not trying to second-guess how much will be raised but the trust is aiming for national distribution via retail chains and service clubs prior to Black T-Shirt Day.

“The black t-shirt is synonymous with New Zealand and the heart symbol is a universal icon for support, love and affection. We all feel for Christchurch and everyone wants to do something

“Many people are looking for a way beyond donations to show their support. Now there’s a patriotic and fashionable opportunity. The fact it talks on the shirt about the heart seems to resonate with people - especially the big burly blokes because we are selling plenty of XXL and XXXL believe it or not,” Ms Kelland says.

ACP Magazines CEO Paul Dykzeul says: “It is a real pleasure for Woman’s Day and our company to be involved in this terrific initiative. Like all New Zealanders we feel a tremendous closeness to our family, friends and colleagues in Christchurch and hope this makes a difference.

“Our readers have expressed their grief and readiness to help through letters, emails and text messages. Wearing or buying a black t-shirt is an effective way to show their support,” Mr Dykzeul says.

“One of the first to get on-board is Kate Hawkesby, herself personally connected to the horrific quake and one of the Christchurch Heart black t-shirt models. She opens her heart exclusively to Woman’s Day this week in support of this special cause.”

The t-shirts are available online at www.chchheart.co.nz and in most Ponsonby Road retailers in Auckland.