TONGA'S Christchurch Earthquake Appeal fund has collected $839,957 pa'anga to date with more cash donations expected to be raised in a second national radiothon appeal to be held on Thursday, September 29 in Nuku'alofa.

The Prime Minsiter's Press Secretary Lopeti Senituli told Matangi Tonga on September 28, that the amount in the appeal fund account included the Government of Tonga's commitment of NZD$500,000 and the money raised on the first national radiothon held on Saturday, September 25.

He said they were aiming to raise as much money by Friday, October 1 before the cash donation wa transferred to Christchurch.

On Saturday volunteers including school students went around the Nuku'alofa market places with cardboard boxes and plastic bags collecting donations.

The second radiothon will be held between 11:00am to 1:00pm on September 30 after the official closing of the 2010 Legislative Assembly.