Book theft sparks benefit film screening

MIXED BLESSING: Living Economies founder Helen Dew says if more people hear about and become part of the charity because of the fundraiser, she'll be happy.

Helen Dew's passion for social justice has inspired a councillor and publishing house to team up and help replace resources stolen from her charity.

Masterton district councillor Chris Peterson and Ian and Di Grant of Fraser Books have organised a benefit screening of French film Samba at Regent3 this weekend, with proceeds going towards the Living Economies Educational Trust, which Carterton resident Mrs Dew helped found. It aims to stimulate local economies through debt-free money exchanges, such as time banks and savings pools.

Mr Peterson came up with the idea for the movie fundraiser after hearing $4000 worth of educational books belonging to Living Economies had been taken while Mrs Dew was at a conference in Auckland.

The two suitcases of books - which were uninsured - were left by a car outside the conference centre - but when Mrs Dew returned with the car keys, both suitcases were gone.

"It was very unfortunate," Mr Peterson said. "She said the suitcases were heavy, so the thieves must have thought they were something valuable.

"This is so rough for someone like Helen, as so much of her own money has gone into that trust - so we thought a community fundraiser was in order."

As well as the movie evening, Wairarapa residents have also made personal donations to Living Economies to help replace the book, after trustees made an appeal on Facebook.

Mr Peterson said he has known Mrs Dew "for many decades", and has admired her involvement with projects such as the Wairarapa Green Dollars scheme and the Carterton branch of sustainable living programme Transition Towns.

"Helen is extremely driven and committed to social justice," he said.

"For a lot of people these days, current financial systems aren't working - so things like Green Dollars and Living Economies help keep money in Wairarapa where it can benefit our communities."

Mrs Dew said she was "most encouraged" to hear about the fundraiser.

"I didn't realise how much our work with Living Economies was appreciated in Wairarapa," she said.

She was saddened by the loss of the books, but is determined to stay positive. "I'm guessing they wouldn't have much value to the people who took them - so they're probably being used to light someone's fire.

"But I like to see a silver lining - if, through the fundraiser, more people hear about and become part of Living Economies, then I'll be happy."

-The benefit screening of Samba starts at 3.30pm tomorrow. Nibbles and drinks will be served first, with the screening at 4.30pm. To book a ticket, contact Chris Peterson on 06 3703989 or at chrisp@wise.net.nz, or Ian and Di Grant on 06 3771359 or at ifgrant@xtra.co.nz.