Whangārei fundraiser variety show for Indonesian earthquake, tsunami victims

Eva Corne, second left, leads the Nur and Tiny Camel Belly Dance groups during a rehearsal for the upcoming variety show. Photo / Imran Ali

Whangarei

Community groups have pitched in to help organise a variety show in Whangārei to raise money for earthquake and tsunami victims in Indonesia.

The show by Friends of Indonesia, a group comprising dancers, singers and members of various Northland communities, will be held at the Onerahi Community Hall from 5.30pm today.A magnitude 7.5 earthquake and tsunami last month that struck Palu and nearby areas on central Sulawesi island killed at least 1234 people and severely injured 799.

Event organiser Eva Corne, an Indonesian who has lived in Whangārei for 18 years, said she and her sister decided to raise money for those affected by the natural disaster back home rather than the usual Christmas party.

"I teach belly dancing and formed Nur Belly Dance a few months ago. Normally we have a party at the end of the year but this year we thought we'd help the needy back in Indonesia.

"Me and my sister approached other Indonesians in Northland, Kiwis, Maori and our Dutch friends and they all are very supportive of the cause. We'll have Indonesian food and art and craft, an auction, a raffle, and entertainment."

Belly and Indonesian dance and song and hula as well as an American native hoop dance are among entertainment on offer.

All proceeds will go to Yayasan 981, an organisation in Indonesia that is working directly in affected areas.

Funds raised will help buy tents, medical supplies, and food.

Entry fee is $5 per person payable at the door. Children under 5 are free.

There will be Indonesian food for $5 a meal, drink and raffle tickets (cash only)

Entertainment starts at 7pm.

• For more information, contact Corne on 021 296 4840.