Helping Christchurch recover
It’s been a terrible week for Christchurch and the entire country, but I’m extremely proud of how New Zealanders have pulled together to help those in need.
My offices in Paraparaumu and Levin have had many calls from people wanting to help, offering accommodation or second homes to people from Christchurch.
At this stage, donations of money are the quickest and easiest way to help organisations on the ground.
On the weekend the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal was officially launched by the Prime Minister John Key, which is a global fundraiser for the recovery effort.
Donations can be made at www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz.
Telecom, Vodafone and 2 Degrees mobile customers can text chch to 933 to make an automatic $3 donation.
As the Minister of Internal Affairs, I’ve instructed the Lotteries Commission to run a special Lotto draw this Saturday to raise money for Christchurch.
Half of the proceeds will go into this fund to help Christchurch people, and we expect this will raise millions of dollars.
As I’m also the Minister responsible for the Fire Service, I flew to Christchurch on Friday to visit firefighters and thank them on behalf of the Government for their work.
I can tell you that it was a pretty shocking experience. Seeing the devastation first hand shows just how much hard work is ahead in rebuilding the city.
I’m hugely impressed with the courage and dedication of firefighters and other rescue staff. Many I talked to were emotionally and physically exhausted, their own families and properties have been affected, but they were determined to help others.
Waikanae resident Jill Phillips and friends prepared 20 homemade fruit cakes last week, along with biscuits donated by Waikanae Countdown, and I was very glad to personally deliver these to USAR workers and the Burnside High School welfare centre.
I know locally there are many fundraising efforts being organised which is fantastic.
Thank you again to everyone in Horowhenua and Kapiti who have offered their support during this very difficult time.