Charity’s fundraising scheme works to a T
In yet another show of solidarity following Friday’s Christchurch terror attacks, $25,000 worth of T-shirts made to raise money for victims’ families have been snapped up in less than a day.
The T-shirts were made by Good Bitches Baking – a charity which bakes treats for people ‘‘having a tough time’’ – and feature the words ‘‘Be kind’’ in both English and Arabic.
They also feature native New Zealand pıtau (fern fronds), olive leaves symbolising peace, and a crescent and star, which is a symbol of Islam.
After going on sale at 6pm Tuesday, the charity had sold a 600 T-shirts by last night.
Co-founder Nicole Murray said that the idea came about because the charity’s 2000 members felt compelled to do something.
‘‘We were all just so full of sorrow that we wanted to use our networks and use our skills that we have to help in some way.
‘‘The mission of our charity is to make Aotearoa the kindest place on Earth. We strongly believe kindness is what everybody needs right now.’’
It was the first time the charity had raised money on someone else’s behalf, Murray said.
‘‘It’s definitely the fastest we’ve raised money out of anything we’ve ever done.’’
The charity would make as many T-shirts as people could buy, and would be making an order soon based on demand.
All profits would go to the victims’ families through the New Zealand Islamic Information Centre, which was running a fundraising campaign on Launch Good.
The cost of the shirts had not been finalised, Murray said.
Designer Brittany Davies, who has worked with the charity on previous projects, said she wanted to create a design which intertwined both Islamic and New Zealand culture.
‘‘One thing that was really important to me was to try and integrate both cultures together.
‘‘It’s in a circle shape to show integration – it’s one image, not two separate things.’’
Zahara Abdullah, a Muslim member of the charity who lives in Hawke’s Bay, was asked to help with the design, and said she was touched by the gesture.
‘‘It is awesome, and I’m very proud that [Murray] did that.
‘‘I was very touched that she even messaged me and asked me for my input. I appreciate it.’’