The money was raised from donations and the sale of all-black wristbands at the Aviva Premiership match against Saracens at Welford Road, and the club have added their own donation to take the total to £20,000.
Tigers chairman Peter Tom CBE said: “One of the features of rugby at any level is how everyone pulls together in times of need.
“Rugby plays a huge part in New Zealand society and we’ve enjoyed strong links there over a very long period.
“My first captain at Tigers was Colin Martin, a New Zealander, and we have welcomed their teams and their players on a regular basis over many years. There is also a strong New Zealand representation within our current squad, and former Tigers players Aaron Mauger, Jamie Hamilton and Daryl Gibson all work in Crusaders rugby in Christchurch.
“We would like to thank the supporters of the Tigers and Saracens, and all of our corporate guests, who donated so generously and showed their support for the people who have been affected by the earthquake.
“Just over £16,000 was collected at the Saracens match in sales of the wristbands and donations, and I am happy that my colleagues on the Tigers board agreed with me that the club should top that figure up to £20,000.
“We have been in contact with our very good friends at Crusaders and we hope they can advise us on a specific project which would benefit from our fund-raising.
“So many people have had their lives and their livelihoods affected by the earthquake and our thoughts are with them all.”
Tigers would like to thank the team of Tigers ballboys from The Lancaster School and the staff in the corporate areas who collected for such a worthy cause throughout the match.
Leicester’s Kiwi players Craig Newby, Thomas Waldrom and Scott Hamilton have also organised extra fund-raising activities to show support for their countrymen, including an online auction of signed memorabilia and players’ boots which raised £2,000 and will be added to the club’s collection.
Christchurch-born Hamilton said: “It was heartbreaking when we first heard about the devastation caused by the earthquake. We all have friends and family in the area and, while we were really grateful to hear they were all fit and well, there are a lot of other people who have suffered badly.
“It is difficult when you see the news in the media, it is a devastating situation and it is going to take a long time for the area to fully recover.
“We’d like to thank everyone who made a donation at the Tigers versus Saracens game and has shown their support for the relief funds. We were also delighted to raise £2,000 from our auction and another £1,000 from an event at our local pub which we will hand over with the Tigers collection.
“I’m sure it helps for the people in New Zealand to know that so many people are thinking about them and helping them in any way they can.”
For any supporters who were unable to pick up an all-black wristband on matchday, they are available in the Tigers Club Shop at Welford Road. Any donations will be added to the total and forwarded to our chosen project in Christchurch in due course.
