Christchurch earthquake update
The Salvation Army in Christchurch last night cared for more than 400 Cantabrians made homeless following Saturday’s 7.1 magnitude earthquake.
Salvation Army Emergency Services staff and volunteers are staffing welfare centres in the Christchurch suburbs of Burnside, Linwood and Addington. Each centre provided around 400 meals yesterday. Rangiora Corps provided accommodation, food and comfort to 50 people overnight in Kaiapoi.
The Salvation Army also supplied food parcels from the centres, including a bulk consignment for members of the Samoan Seventh Day Adventist Church, who were sheltering in their church.
Southern Divisional Commander Major Clive Nicolson expects similar demand for welfare services to continue for the foreseeable future.
“Beyond that, there will be an ongoing need for clothing, furniture and food, as well as advocacy for people needing help with Government agencies and other organisations,” he says.
The public has so far donated $34,000 to The Salvation Army Canterbury Earthquake Appeal. The BNZ has donated $250,000 to The Salvation Army for immediate use.
Westpac has committed $1 million to the Westpac Canterbury Care Fund, naming The Salvation Army as its senior partner. The Salvation Army will use some of the money to help those needing food, shelter and care, and also for those needing longer-term support.
Several companies are talking to The Salvation Army about providing food and personal care products.
To donate to The Salvation Army ‘Canterbury Earthquake Appeal’
- Freephone: 0800 53 00 00
- donate online
- By Post: ‘The Salvation Army, PO Box 27 001 Marion Square, Wellington 6141, New Zealand’
Please specify that your donation is for the 'Canterbury Earthquake Appeal'