Whakatāne Rotary, Burt’s Farm and Relief Aid have come together to fundraise for Relief Aid in Gaza.

An afternoon tea will be held at Burt’s Farm’s Glorious Gardens, and will include a walk through the gardens, a “lovely tea”, a mystery auction and a Q&A with ReliefAid’s communications director Anne Bulley about the situation in Gaza and how the money raised will be used.

Rotary International support group lead Chris Robson said Rotary was happy to support this humanitarian project.

“We are always trying to support good community projects and causes, and Anne has done some good work with ReliefAid,” he said.

Ms Bulley said the environment in Gaza was changing in many ways and aspects, so the use of the money raised would depend on the most current needs of the people.

“We will likely be using this money to get water into Gaza. Even though there’s a ceasefire at the moment, the basics are still needed.”

She said those who could return to their homes were returning to piles of rubble, and the level of restructure required to get water pipes and roads back up and running, meant there was limited access to clean water.

“Seventy percent of water pipes have been damaged, as well as water treatment plants, roads and businesses,” she said.

“Ninety percent of people in Gaza have been displaced from their homes, and 90 percent of homes have been destroyed or damaged.

“It’s expected to take a decade or two just to move the rubble.

“ReliefAid has helped people survive the war, now we need to help them survive the peace – provided the peace prevails.”

She said the ceasefire had allowed more aid trucks access to the border, so more food and more fuel was entering the country but there was still a huge shortage.

Louise and Paul Burt have been wanting to support ReliefAid for a while and were happy to offer their property, gardens and hall for the afternoon.

The fundraiser will take place between 2pm and 4pm, beginning with a half-hour walk through the gardens before a talk and Q&A with Mrs Bulley on the updated situation in Gaza.

Mr Robson, an auctioneer, will then host a mystery auction.

Anyone wanting tickets can contact Chris Robson at [email protected] or at 027 577 0029.

WHAT: ReliefAid Fundraiser for Gaza

WHERE: Burt’s Farm, 147 Mimiha Road, Matata

WHEN: Saturday 22 February, 2pm to 4pm

COST: $30, tickets by contacting [email protected]or calling 0275770029