Sex and the City fans support Myanmar Cyclone Appeal

30 June 2008

Sex and the City fans in Bermuda have turned out in droves to raise money for victims of May’s Cyclone Nargis in Myanmar (Burma), during two private showings of the hit film organised by the Bermuda Red Cross in June.

There was a full house for both screenings, with more than 540 people (including one brave man) heading to the Liberty Theatre to watch the film and take part in a variety of fundraising activities.

The screenings raised $13,600 Bermuda dollars (£6,800) through ticket sales and a silent auction, which included a pink BlackBerry phone, a glamorous pair of shoes and a large basket of Body Shop beauty products.


Local support

Ann Spencer-Arscott, director of the Bermuda Red Cross, said: “The idea for the private showing was brought to us by a member of the public who thought it would be fun to organise and who wanted to help raise money for the Myanmar disaster.

“The tickets sold like hot cakes. The first show sold out in one day, so we arranged an early afternoon showing as well. The theatre was great. They were more than happy to assist.

“Many local businesses also offered their support, like the MEF restaurant group which donated a glass of wine to all movie-goers who had dinner at their restaurants. A local perfume distributor gave away samples of Sarah Jessica Parker’s newest perfume at one showing and we had free Ferrero Rocher chocolates at the other.


Cyclone Nargis

She continued: “Everyone had a fabulous time. Quite a few of the ladies dressed up, while others were just enjoying an afternoon or evening out with girlfriends. And knowing that the money raised was going to help the people in Myanmar made it all worthwhile.”

Cyclone Nargis struck Myanmar on 2 May, causing massive destruction with 78,000 dead and 2.4 million people in need of life-saving support. So far, the Red Cross has distributed water, food and relief items to more than 300,000 people and is currently reaching more than 10,000 people per day.

The British Red Cross has eight Overseas Branches in countries classed as British Overseas Territories, including Bermuda. Ref; http://www.redcross.org.uk/news.asp?id=82745