media releases

Friday is “Sun Day” for Victim Support

6 March 2006

“Friday, 10 March will be 'Sun Day' says Marie Knight, Acting Chief Executive of Victim Support, “and New Zealanders will be asked to help put the sun back into people's lives by wearing a Sun Badge or Sun Bracelet.”

The sun badge was developed from the Victim Support logo which depicts a sun coming from behind cloud and rain. “It was an obvious choice for an icon”, says Ms Knight, “and reflects the support given to hundreds of New Zealanders affected by crime and trauma each year”.

Volunteers will be out on the street selling badges and collecting donations starting on Wednesday, 8 March in the South Island and Friday, 10 March in the North Island.

Sir Howard Morrison, Victim Support’s patron, and Hilary Timmins (Ambassador for State – Victim Support’s principal sponsor) will front the television and radio appeal commercials commencing the first week in March.

“We are fortunate that due to the generous support of State for this Appeal, all donations raised during the week will go directly into resources and training”, says Ms Knight

“Victim Support’s services have become a recognised and integral part of New Zealand society through the help given to victims of crime and trauma” Ms Knight says.

“All around New Zealand, day-in, day-out, our professionally trained volunteers are on-the-spot within 45 minutes of getting the call to help all victims, whether it be in the immediate aftermath of a burglary or to provide ongoing support to friends and family of murder victims.”

“Between 8 & 14 March, we encourage all New Zealanders to dig deep and wear a Sun to support our appeal week or call 0900 VICTIM to donate $20.”