Over NZ$10 million have been raised for victims of the Christchurch terror attacks across three major fundraisers, as New Zealand mourned the most horrific massacre in its history.
The Sikh community also rallied together to raise more than NZ$60,000 for victims of the Christchurch mosque shootings.
This fundraiser was initiated by Auckland-based Jaspreet Singh with the support of Sikh Supreme Society on 16 March.
Mr Singh had made an appeal to the local community to assist the victims of Christchurch mosque shootings through this fundraiser on Facebook.
The fundraiser stated - “Our hopes, prayers and practical help go out to each and every victim, bystander or loved one affected. "
$60,458 NZD were raised by the Sikh community (Facebook screenshot). Source: Supplied
"No amount of money can change what has happened, or bring back the lives lost. But we can offer our support to victims and their families, so they don’t have to bear this burden alone.”
Mr Singh told SBS Punjabi that a collection of NZ$60,458 surpassed the initial goal of NZ$50,000 within just five days of setting this fundraiser.
“We’re very thankful to the people who have made financial contributions,” he said.
“All fundraising proceeds will be distributed to the grieving families by the Federation of the Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ). They’ll direct these funds toward the immediate and long-term needs of the victims.
Mr Singh told SBS that they’ve handed over NZ$57,723 to the Supreme Sikh Society after Facebook tax deducted an amount of NZ$2,735 from the total collection.
The funds were raised with the help of over 1600 donations. Source: Supplied
“Daljit Singh from Supreme Sikh Society is in touch with FIANZ in this regard. We’re now liaising with Police and FIANZ to establish the best way of sending funds to the affected people,” he said.
“This couldn't have been possible without the community support. Thank you everyone. Hope we will always stay strong and stand together again and again.”
