The 21st annual Riccarton Rotary Charity Golf Classic for Cholmondeley has raised more than $34,000 for the Home – so far without the swing of a single golf club.
As a result of the grief and devastation caused by the February earthquake, the golf day, which was to have been held on March 9, has been rescheduled to September 21 at Coringa Country Club.
The cheque for sponsorship monies received to date was handed to Cholmondeley at the Rotary Club of Riccarton meeting on March 28.
Cholmondeley (http://cholmondeley.org.nz/) is a child focused, quality care facility that supports children during short stays when families are experiencing difficulties. It cares for Canterbury children aged between 3-12 years.Cholmondeley has been able to start up again, with its first intake of children since February 22, on an interim lease basis, at Living Springs. Staff continue to be accommodated in the office block at Governors Bay, which survived the quake. A decision on the future of the rest of the Home awaits Earthquake Commission and insurance assessments.
General Manager of Cholmondeley Shane Murdoch said: "Along with other local charities, Cholmondeley is fortunate to receive significant community support. The ongoing assistance of groups such as Rotary is essential for our continuing operation."
“We acknowledge that Cholmondeley is but one of the charities in Christchurch that has suffered badly,” said Riccarton President Corin Murfitt. “We remain passionate, however, about the importance of the work the Home does for Canterbury children. We acknowledge the generosity of all our golf sponsors, particularly Coringa, and those who have yet to enjoy a game of golf. Rescheduling to September will give us all a chance to enjoy the day out, and to provide much needed help to the Cholmondeley children at the same time.”