The attached message of gratitude was sent by DG Mararet of District 9970 to those Clubs and individuals who had contributed to the support of the Canterbury community. And then on Boxing Day another quake stuck causing further major damage and unsettled the community once again. They have struggled to put the 7.1 shake on 4 September behind them and then this....
On 14 December DG Margaret wrote:
Thank you very much for your sympathy and support displayed through messages, practical actions, and donations since the Canterbury Earthquake. The support so willingly given remains our lifeline as we work to assist the many people who have lost homes, had their homes severely damaged, lost businesses or are struggling to keep businesses going when there is devastation nearby impeding the progress and access.
It is a truly testing time for us all with the continuing after-shocks as well which we hope are now lessening in frequency and power. Our blessings have been our many friends and neighbours, the timing of the major earthquake which ensured there was no loss of life and the beautiful sunny days that have been a pattern since.
In material terms there has undoubtedly been a great deal of damage. The bulk of major city buildings and homes have stood up very well. It is the destruction of the infra-structure - sewers, roads, bridges, water pipes etc and the liquefaction of land which will take a long time to repair. As you will be aware the response of the government, both local and national, has been encouragingly competent, swift and comprehensive. Certain areas of the city have been very hard hit, others have received little or no damage. It has been so random, and the randomness has been upsetting in itself. The process of now moving through the next stage of recovery has of necessity been slower that many would have liked as careful planning and innovative solutions are required.
Offers of help and assistance from many caring people outside the Earthquake Zone have enabled families to take a break from the reality of changed lives, have provided housing, clothing, warehousing and personal effects. Each of these has been gratefully received.
Your donations have contributed to the Rotary New Zealand Canterbury Earthquake Appeal which has established a committee to ascertain the best way to apportion the funds. Following extensive investigation the Appeal Committee has identified that early next year not only will the pain of the reality of readjustment be really biting, but that aspects now unseen will emerge. Some will relate to children starting at new schools, parents travelling to new job locations, and older people having enough of stoically carrying on as they always have. A proportion of the generous donations in hand will be reserved for relevant responses then.
Larger projects that meet community needs but may not be eligible for other funding are also being considered eg the redevelopment of community facilities which have been destroyed or badly damaged. The questioning that committee members have been doing has raised expectations and it has been decided that some response should be made prior to Christmas. Through recommendations made by major church social service organisations, along with the east Christchurch based Supergrans, gifts of Rotary Christmas Puddings will be made. Puddings have been gifted to these organisations who will disburse them to the families they know who have been severely inconvenienced by the September earthquake. They will know that Rotary stands with them.
Throughout this time your generosity has sustained and strengthened us all. Please accept our very sincere appreciation with best wishes for the New Year.
