Guy impressed with local support for Christchurch
Otaki MP Nathan Guy says he is hugely impressed with the generosity of local people following the devastating earthquake in Christchurch.
“My electorate offices in Paraparaumu and Levin have had offers of help from local people wanting to assist in any way they can. Most of the calls have been offers of accommodation via billeting or second homes being made available.
“Wellington Civil Defence has also received hundreds of offers of accommodation from the wider Wellington region, and no longer need any further offers.
“At this stage, donations of money are the quickest and easiest way to help organisations on the ground. This money can then be spent locally in Christchurch, meeting the immediate needs of people.
“All offers of earthquake assistance from the public can go to [email protected] or visit http://www.trademe.co.nz/christchurch-earthquake-support which is coordinating offers of support.
“The immediate focus is on rescue and recovery. Down the track, if there’s a need for specific goods to be donated, there will be a public call made.
“Red Cross has set up a dedicated telephone number for those people concerned about the whereabouts of friends and family missing. The number to contact is 0800 RED CROSS (0800 733 276).
“In my role as Minister of Internal Affairs I’ve been attending emergency Cabinet meetings, and will be heading to Christchurch on Friday to thank firefighters and the Urban Search and Rescue teams for the massive effort they are putting in.
“Thank you to everyone in Horowhenua and Kapiti who have offered their support. I’m proud of how New Zealanders have pulled together to help those going through such a terrible time.”
Further information on how to donate:
• Red Cross – http://www.redcross.org.nz/donate
• The Salvation Army – http://salvationarmy.org.nz/. To volunteer, please call 04 384 5649.
• Rotary New Zealand World Community Service - http://www.rnzwcs.org/
• The National Crisis Management Centre in Wellington – [email protected] – for offers of goods and services.
• New Zealand Blood Service – they currently have sufficient blood stocks but if people are not already donors and would like to sign up to be contacted when they do need blood donations, phone 0800 448 325 or email [email protected]
• Any ANZ Bank branch: Account number 01-1839-0188939-00
• Any National Bank branch: Account number 06-0869-0548507-00
• Any Westpac Bank branch: Account number 03-0207-0617331-00
• Any ASB Bank branch: Account number 12-3205-0146808-00
• Any BNZ Bank branch: Account number 02-0500-0982004-000
• Any Kiwibank branch: Account number: 38-9009-0759479-00