7 July 2011

Christchurch Earthquake Appeal thanks lottery grants for $6 million donation

The Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Nathan Guy, has presented a cheque of $6.044 million to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal on behalf of the Lottery Grants Board.

“Lottery funds in New Zealand are for the benefit of our communities. It’s wonderful to be able to donate some of the lottery profits this year to Christchurch communities suffering hardship as a result of the February earthquake,” says Robyn Nicholas, Secretary of the Lottery Grants Board.

“This donation is in addition to the $8.2 million raised for Christchurch Earthquake Appeal by a special Lotto draw earlier this year.”

Dr Rod Carr, Trustee to the Appeal and Vice Chancellor of Canterbury University, received the cheque on behalf of the appeal. “The Trust is very grateful for such a large donation from lottery grants,” says Dr Carr. “Two projects have already been funded by the Trust and there are a number of promising proposals under consideration by the Trust at the moment.”

“The priority for the Trust at this point is to identify projects in Christchurch that will deliver the widest benefit. We are indebted to the members of the Advisory Board who are all based in Christchurch for their involvement in providing advice and input on specific needs in Canterbury communities.”

The Trust identified very early on seven key areas where the funds will be allocated and is working with its Advisory Board in Christchurch as it gathers information and ideas for recovery projects.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal has raised over $88 million in pledged and received funds.