After the first earthquake (on 4 September, 2010), a number of my fellow Felt sellers created the FeltAid Felt shop and accompanying blog. Whiteleaf Jewellery donated three pairs of earrings (I blogged about this here), all of which sold.
After Canterbury's lethal second earthquake on the 22nd of February, 2011, FeltAid has reopened, and Whiteleaf Jewellery has again donated three pieces. However, since this earthquake was far more tragic than the first, I think something more intense is required. To that end, I have created three Irish-inspired designs – just in time for Saint Patrick's Day on the 17th of March! – under the Silverlight Jewellery brand, and am auctioning them off on Trade Me at a $1 reserve. 50% of the proceeds from the auctions will go to The Salvation Army's Canterbury Earthquake Appeal, while the remaining 50% will be used to cover the cost of the materials used in the jewellery.
'The Leprechaun's Trove' charm bracelet on Trade Me
Even if you're not interested in bidding, feel free to tweet, blog, post a Facebook update, or otherwise spread the news about these pieces. I would love to be able to send a good-sized amount to the people of Christchurch to help them repair their lives and their beautiful city.
There are numerous other Trade Me auctions being run by other sellers, with all or part of the proceeds going to similar earthquake appeals. There's
a seller account set up by Pink Noise, a non-profit artist community, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross 2011 Christchurch Art Appeal; and
a Trade Me store set up by the Auckland Central Business District Business Association. Both sellers have some fascinating and highly desirable items available.
The only good thing about natural disasters such as Canterbury's second earthquake is the way people suddenly show their kind and caring sides. New Zealanders seem to make a habit of this, and if it is one of our national virtues then I sincerely hope that we keep it permanently.
