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They opened with a cover of Ben E King's Stand By Me, but joked that Blowing in the Wind would have been more appropriate.
New Zealand chart toppers Evermore battled a strong sea breeze in Auckland's QEII Square yesterday, where they busked for Oxfam during a lunchtime concert.
But there was a mad chase to retrieve the money the public had put in the band's guitar cases after it was blown away by the strong spring winds.
The concert, which marked World Poverty Day, was part of a month-long campaign that uses music to promote the "Make Trade Fair" message.
Lead singer Jon Hume said the band was happy to support the cause and draw attention to the plight of Third World countries.
"That's the cool thing about being in a band," he said. "Bringing people together through music. We can bring a couple hundred people out to find out about this message."
The band, who are based in Australia, are in New Zealand for tonight's music awards, where they are nominated for five Tuis, including Best Group.
Oxfam spokesperson Prue Smith said the busking raised about $300.
"We are delighted that Evermore were able to squeeze us in during rehearsals for the music awards."
She said they also received 150 signatures for the charity's Make Trade Fair petition, which calls for the World Trade Organisation and governments to ensure trade rules are fair to people in developing countries.
Evermore will play another fund-raising concert on Saturday, at Gisborne's Waiohika Estate, with Carly Binding.
"We will also be campaigning for signatures there," Ms Smith said.
Oxfam, an international group, sets out to find solutions to poverty and injustice.
