Auckland Digs Deep for Vanuatu

In response to the devastation caused by cyclone Pam in Vanuatu on March 13 2015, a group of superyacht crew in Auckland have banded together to help the impacted communities of the islands.

The effort is being managed in two stages, firstly a collection of anything that could be of immediate practical use to the islanders was taken around all the yachts in the Viaduct Marina, Silo Marina and Orams Shipyard, and secondly a fund raising barbeque and auction has been organized for Wednesday evening.

Response to the collection around the boats was immediate and very generous. The relief effort, which is working in conjunction with YachtAid Global will help deliver aid to the outer islands which have been unable to receive aid from the conventional NGOs because of damage to emergency support vessels and the remote locations of the islands.

Pallets of food, water, medical supplies, clothing and tools were put together within days and are now on board M/Y Umbra which will be leaving Auckland for Vanuatu tomorrow (Tuesday).

The donations have continued and, as Umbra cannot take anything further, a container is being put together which will be flown over soon.

Local businesses have been very keen to support the auction on Wednesday evening by giving away items to auction off: within the first few hours of appealing, Auckland Engineering Services has pledged leatherman tools; speakers and high quality torches; local bar Jack Tars has pledged vouchers; Doyle Sails NZ has pledged clothing and many other local businesses have indicated that they will also be donating items to the auction.

The barbeque will be held at Silo Marina on Wednesday evening, please check out the Facebook event page CREW FOR CHANGE BBQ for further details.

*Image credit: samaritanspurse.org CC2.0