Donations are rolling in to GABA, the Gay Auckland Business Association, to help Northland couple Juliet Leigh and Lindsay Curnow get back on their feet after the hate-crime arson on their Blooming Bulbs business. GABA President Glenn Sims has revealed that in just over 48 hours of fund-raising, more than $2800 has already been deposited by members of the public into The GABA Charitable Trust's bank account. Donations have been received from right across New Zealand and messages of support on GABA's Givealittle page demonstrate both compassion and anger at the senseless attack. “Remember ladies, one door closes but another one opens (and it will be a good one). Am thinking of you heaps. Hope the guilty person/people get found and appropriately punished,” wrote Jan from Taupo. “Thinking of you both during this tough time, let me know if there is anything I can do, take care, Nikki,” was the message from Auckland Central MP, Nikki Kaye when making her personal donation. “This is both for the support for the loving couple attacked by hate crime and to send a message against those hateful people: you try intimidating us with your cowardly attacks, you only make us come together stronger,” said Hal. “I hope all of New Zealand stands up and shows that we don't tolerate this,” wrote Aimee. As well as encouraging cash donations, GABA will be running a stall at the GABA/NZAF hospitality tent at the Big Gay Out on February 13, raising money for the women by selling donated items. A charity auction including items from Prime Minister John Key and Auckland Central MP Nikki Kaye will launched on Trade Me in the next few days. Leigh and Curnow have also confirmed that they have accepted an invitation from Sims to be GABA's guests of honor on the day. “The past couple of weeks have been trying times for Juliet and Lindsay”, says Sims. “This issue cuts right across New Zealand and it is vital that we stand up and send a very clear message that this is not acceptable behaviour," he adds. "The attack on Juliet and Lindsay is an attack on us all. Recent violent attacks on K Road are an attack on us all.” "We can no longer be apathetic in the belief that everything is ok in New Zealand. It isn't. Until we are prepared to stand up and say enough is enough, our rights and freedoms will continue to be undermined by viscous thugs." You can make a donation to the women in the following ways: By direct credit: ASB 12 3064 0216613 00 (please put "Blooming Bulbs" as the reference) Or donate by credit card here:www.givealittle.co.nz/org/GABA www.givealittle.co.nz/org/GABA Items are also being sought for the Big Gay Out Stall and the Trade Me auction. Please e-mail president@gaba.org.nz.
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Thursday, 27th January 2011 - 10:59am