SONIA CHRISTIAN has a heart-warming story of her experience collecting in Christchurch. She called SAFE and spoke with fundraising coordinator, Amanda Broughton, who recounts Sonia's story.
Sonia was in Cathedral Square, standing near some young people busking, listening to the melodies of their guitar whilst holding her collection bucket. Sonia says most people ignored her as they walked past. She assumed too busy with last minute Christmas shopping to spare a second to donate. After many long hours of busking in the heat, under the shade of the magnolia tree, the musicians finished playing their instruments and introduced themselves. Sonia learns Michael and Evie are wandering the country, performing to audiences in towns to fund their trip around the South Island. Seeing that Sonia was passionate about animals they told her stories of their animal experiences travelling around New Zealand. They tell Sonia they often busked in towns but sometimes played to a very different audience - animals! Michael recounted how they would attract hundreds of birds while playing their guitars. They enthralled the avian crowds who would uncannily take flight as soon as they finished playing. Before Michael and Evie said their farewells to Sonia, they gave her a parting gift - the contents of their guitar case - everything they had earned that day, and emptied it into her bucket. Sonia was amazed at their kindness and selflessness. They obviously needed that money but preferred to gift it towards a cause they greatly believed in. Understandably, these two kind travelling souls have made a genuine impression on Sonia. She wishes them well on the rest of their journey, wherever that may be and SAFE does the same. On behalf of SAFE we are extremely grateful for their generous and giving spirit. It is truly humbling and we are so pleased Sonia shared her story. If you collected for SAFE and have a story you would like to share, please email amandabroughton@safe.org.nz.
22 December 2010
|
