Progress on a North Otago project to help the
people of Haiti will be outlined at a function in Oamaru on
Wednesday, which will also be attended by former prime
minister Helen Clark in her role as one of the United
Nations' top managers.
Two hundred free tickets have been released for the public to
attend the event, organised by Project Hearts and Hands for
Haiti (Project HHH), at the Opera House at 7pm.
Miss Clark, as the United Nations Development Programme
administrator, has taken an interest in Project HHH, launched
to help people of Haiti after the devastating earthquake last
year. It has raised funds in North Otago for assistance
programmes, sending teams from New Zealand.
Project HHH trustee Bruce Albiston said yesterday the event
would outline the work so far and proposed support for an
ongoing physiotherapy training programme in Haiti.
As guest speaker, Miss Clark would provide a United Nations
perspective on development programmes that provided the best
solutions for genuine aid and recovery from disasters around
the world.
She offered to come in support of Project HHH fundraising and
to recognise the contribution it had made through Oamaru
missionary Robyn Couper, who has worked for more than 30
years in Haiti.
A reception by Waitaki Mayor Alex Familton to be held before
the main event is virtually a sellout, with more than 150
tickets sold.
Including the medical teams and guests, 180 people were
expected, with proceeds going to the physiotherapy project.
"We are also very mindful of the realities of the continuing
Christchurch earthquake relief," Mr Albiston said.
"As a gesture, when this public function is focusing on
international disaster, all attending are invited to bring a
can or packet of food that can be taken to Christchurch."
Other donations for Haiti or Christchurch were also welcome.
The Opera House event will have an international programme,
with varied local contributions, and is being supported by a
wide range of North Otago community organisations.
- david.bruce@odt.co.nz
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