Refugee children at special Christmas show

The show is a joint initiative by the Lions Club of Ferrymead, the Christchurch business community, and PEETO (Pasefika Education and Employment Training Organisation), the multi-cultural learning centre.

Christchurch businesses have financed the show, which will feature magicians, clowns, puppets, music, song, and dance. Juggler Adrian Kirk from England will appear with Australian Mason West, who balances a five-high assortment of silver cylinders, and New Zealander Shad Rutherford who specialises in balancing china plates. Christchurch entertainer Mr Moon will also add spice to the juggling segment.

The compere will be Neville Barrie.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Garry Moore, praised the co-operation of businesses, which were prepared to support the enhancement of the quality of life of newcomers, particularly children, to the city.

Mr Moore said there was a great deal of positive energy in the ethnic relations in the city and the council intended to develop it further with a mayoral forum on cultural diversity to be held soon.

PEETO director Pat O’Connor says newcomers to the city are extremely grateful for everything that is done to make their transition to living here enjoyable. "These children will also have much to offer our society as they grow and develop," he says.

Event: Mid-winter Christmas children’s variety show.

Where: Theatre Royal, Gloucester Street.

When: Saturday, August 21, 1999, at 1.45pm.

For further information:

Jane van Leeuwen of PEETO at (03) 377 2890 or Ricky Bligh at (03) 377 6018.