Raising millions to help Christchurch

There are multiple charities accepting donations following Christchurch’s terrorist attacks. What are they, and where is the money going? Katie Kenny reports.

More than $10 million has been donated to those affected by the terrorist attacks in Christchurch on March 15.

Fifty people were killed and dozens injured when a gunman opened fire first in Masjid Al Noor then Linwood Masjid during Friday prayers.

People from around the world have donated money.

The two main online funds have been set up by Victim Support and New Zealand Islamic Information Centre.

But there are others, leaving some confused about the best way to show their support. So we’ve outlined a few options below:

VICTIM SUPPORT

A week after the massacre, just over $8 million has been donated to Victim Support’s Givealittle campaign. The campaign says all donations will be used to provide support and resources for those affected and their family members.

None of the money will go towards Victim Support’s regular operating costs. In response to questions and criticism, the charity said on its website that ‘‘every cent will be used to provide resources and support for these victims’’.

More than $375,000 has already been used to cover urgent costs for victims’ family members, chief executive Kevin Tso said.

The organisation is still figuring out how donations will be allocated for ongoing needs ‘‘in a fair and responsible manner’’, she added.

‘‘There are a complex set of issues when managing victims’ needs, including cultural sensitivities that we need to be mindful of, so it’s important that we remain flexible and responsive.’’

NZ ISLAMIC INFORMATION CENTRE

A donation page created by members of Auckland’s at-Taqwa mosque and New Zealand Islamic Information Centre (NZIIC) has raised a further $2.5 million. The page is hosted by LaunchGood, an American Islamic crowdfunding website. Founder and chairman Dr Mohammad Anwar Sahib said the proceeds will be distributed to the families at the earliest opportunity. ‘‘Whatever we do, we will put details on our website so that all the donors can see how the money has been used,’’ he said.

GOOD BITCHES BAKING

The volunteers behind Good Bitches Baking, a network of about 1800 people across the country who bake treats for those in need, are selling T-shirts to raise money.

As of yesterday afternoon, the organisation sold more than 1500 T-shirts, co-founder Nicole Murray said. Costs are still being finalised but all proceeds – currently more than $30,000 – are going to the NZIIC’s appeal. The T-shirts will be available online until Monday.

KOTAHITANGA PINS

More than 3600 memorial pins designed by Stephen McCarthy, director of Studio McCarthy, have been sold. All sale proceeds – some $40,000 – will go to the Victim Support fund, he said. The name Kotahitanga means unity and togetherness in te reo. McCarthy talked to Nga¯ i Tahu to make sure it was OK to use the word.

The Christchurch Foundation has created a new fund to raise money for affected families and Muslim communities, at the request of the city’s mayor, Lianne Dalziel. The charity said it’s working with representatives of the Christchurch and New Zealand Islamic communities, Victim Support, affected families, and other charitable organisations to develop an agreed approach for managing donations.

SENDING LOVE

Sending Love, a group that sends Christmas cards to those who may not receive any, has opened its PO Box for people to send cards to affected families in Christchurch. (PO Box 90701, Victoria St, Auckland 1142.) Leave envelopes unsealed.