Soroptimists throughout New Zealand have had many enquiries about helping the thousands affected by the devastation of the earthquake on Tuesday February 22^nd at 12.51 p.m. 165 people died and several thousand were seriously injured.

You will have seen clips and pictures on TV and internet. Women are particularly vulnerable as they have been coping without water, power and sewerage and damaged homes, while trying to look after their families and the elderly.

The colours of Christchurch are
RED and BLACK.  New Zealanders have been sporting these colours in their fundraising efforts.  Red and black are strong colours and the citizens of Christchurch have shown themselves to be strong too.  But they badly need help, both emotionally and financially. 

Soroptimists are urged to create a fundraising effort either personally or with your club.  We suggest you encourage your members to attend their next meeting wearing
RED
AND BLACK.  Devise some activity which will encourage them to donate. Make it fun! The Christchurch club will be keeping up to date with the community’s needs and funds will be allocated as quickly as possible, such as supporting the Women’s Refuge, which is under great pressure at this time of catastrophe. SINZ has received a special request from them.

Our sisters from round the globe are invited to send their donations to HQ in Sydney.  Please email  Rosheen at hq@siswp.org for the account number.

Update from President of SI Christchurch: Maureen Lough

Following on from my message of last Saturday it seems appropriate to give some idea of progress over the past week in our quake city. Much has been achieved and, even today further progress as the cordon has been reduced in the inner city. On a limited basis, residents, business owners and some car owners have been able to return to retrieve possessions.

SI Christchurch committee met earlier in the week and were able to establish that most of our older members have moved to other parts of the country to be with family. Those of us still here are keeping in touch on a regular basis so hopefully will identify any assistance needed relatively quickly.

Many stories of survival and great heroism are beginning to emerge and as I mentioned previously we are beginning to know someone who knew someone. As is probably well known two minutes silence was observed nationwide on Tuesday, a week to the minute after the quake. On a personal note, where I was the cicadas all stopped their cacophony which gave a very eerie feeling to a very poignant moment. Sadly the Rescue Operation has now moved to one of Recovery but it is expected that the death toll may be a little less than previously expected.

There is still a tremendous spirit here and a determination to get up and running as quickly as possible. Our 6 year old granddaughter, when asked when she is going to sleep in her own room again answered, “When I go back to school.” I repeat we will get through this…Keep thinking positive thoughts.