New Zealand's First Online, Global Telethon To Fight Homelessness

Telethons may seem like a thing of the past but a group of well known Kiwi musicians are putting a new spin on the concept, by creating New Zealand’s first ONLINE and GLOBAL telethon to fight homelessness. The “Music is Love - Hope for the Homeless” charity concert brings together artists including Three Houses Down, Sons of Zion, Tomorrow People and Che Fu among a host of local musical talent who will join forces this Thursday night in Auckland to raise much-needed funds for Te Puea Marae. The bands were inspired by the tireless efforts of the marae in Mangere Bridge that opened its doors to feed and house families living in their cars and makeshift housing this winter.

With the support of local companies SPARK, the NZ Racing Board and Virtualticket.tv, the bands are able to realise their dream of live streaming the event in to homes around the country and overseas to raise awareness for the cause.

Sons of Zion lead singer Riapo Panapa said the opportunity to live stream the charity concert as a free, broadcast quality, global event was exciting for all involved. “At the end of the day we want to gain as much support as possible for those most at need in our community,” Panapa said.

“Being able to stream this event globally just means more people are able to offer support and help with donations during the night,” he said. The bands and artists will visit Te Puea Marae the day after the concert to deliver the funds raised from ticket sales and donations to the give a little link that will be onscreen during the live stream broadcast.

All Black Nehe Milner-Skudder and well-loved broadcaster John Campbell will both feature as MC’s on the night of the concert among other personalities who are supporting the fundraising effort. The online telethon kicks off at 7.30pm until midnight on Thursday and can be viewed online

HERE from anywhere in the world.

“Music is Love – Hope for the Homeless” the concert will be held on Thursday, July 14 at The Studio on Karangahape Road, one of Auckland’s most popular live entertainment venues. Tickets are available now fromwww.dashtickets.co.nz