If you live in NZ (or even if you don't), you may be aware that parts of New Zealand were recently effected by Cyclone Gabrielle. The Hawkes Bay region was particularly hard-hit, with severe flooding, gale-force winds, & power / internet outages lasting for days. Many lives, homes & livelihoods were wiped out in a matter of hours. The stories and images coming out of this region, and other regions hit by the Cyclone, were heartbreaking.
Kate R (an NSD regular and all round star), decided to organise (through her professional & personal connections), a collection of items desperately needed by people stuck in emergency shelters in the Hawkes Bay. The NSD community is a wonderful & caring group, so I knew if I let them know about Kate's mission, that they would be only to willing to help out in the Cyclone Gabrielle Relief. The result was phenomenal! Kate & her team were blown away "the generosity is amazing and a tribute to NSD's culture of kindness and compassion!".
Thank you to everyone who contributed, and thank you to Kate for enabling us to feel just a little bit useful in the face of disaster! The photos above show just some of the goods donated by NSDivas, and also by other groups connected to Kate & her family. The call to action for Kate's collection was only to NSD Wellington dancers (because actual goods were needed). But, if anyone in the wider NSD Family wants to help those effected by Cyclone Gabrielle, you can donate here: www.redcross.org.nz. Well done team!!
Virginia x