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Millions in quake donations unspent

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 3:34p.m.

Over $3m remains in the Mayoral Relief Fund (file pic)

Over $3m remains in the Mayoral Relief Fund (file pic)

A year on from the February 22 quake, millions of dollars donated to help with the Christchurch recovery effort remain unspent.

Four major funds were set up in the aftermath of the quake, attracting more than $200 million in donations.

The Red Cross Earthquake Appeals raised $115m, of which about $67m has been distributed. About $14m was donated for specific purposes and another $20m is earmarked for specific grants.

More than 76,000 individuals have received assistance so far.

A Red Cross spokeswoman told NZ Newswire it is expected the remaining $14m will be allocated by the end of the year.

Chief executive John Ware says work is now focused on developing programmes to help with the long term recovery of the city.

The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust, launched by Prime Minister John Key, has raised nearly $100m.

Just over $40m has been allocated to projects including the restoration of sports fields and the relocation of the Court Theatre.

In December, $14m was committed to the Christchurch Arts Centre, for the rebuilding of the Clock Tower and the Great Hall.

Just under $60m is unspent, but one of the trustees, Canterbury University vice-chancellor Rod Carr told Radio New Zealand the trust expects to be operating for about a decade.

Chair of the Salvation Army's Earthquake Recovery Board Lyndon Buckingham says its appeal raised over $18m.

About $8m has been spent, with the Salvation Army providing chemical toilets and shower blocks, as well as offering support to families and children.

Mr Buckingham says the Salvation Army's efforts aren't winding down any time soon.

"The challenges for Christchurch aren't going to be resolved in just the next few months," he says.

"I think we're there for the long haul."

The Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund, which raised $7m, funded the interment site at Avonhead Park Cemetery for unidentified victims of the February quake.

Grants have also been given to sports clubs and arts projects.

Just over $3m remains in this fund.

NZN

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Comments

21 Feb 2012 04:27p.m.

Jennifer wrote:

Why not donate a couple of hundred dollars too every household in Christchurch as every body has had to suffer living here,as we are not all sports people,nor go out socializing as many are older people.And a couple of hundred dollars would not drain the kitty,as it would be very much appreciated at this time of losses,etc.It would even pay the power bill for a month also phone.