By Cate Owen
Christchurch's latest earthquake has had a profound impact on us all.
Many New Zealanders are feeling at a loss, and are wondering what they can do to help Cantabrians.
Information for New Zealanders wanting to help the quake-affected:
- The US Embassy in NZ has asked for anyone with information or enquiries about US citizens and tourists in New Zealand to email chchquake@state.gov
- Use the Google person-finder to help share information about those missing in the quake.
- It is suggested that if you have heard from Cantabrians who are unable to update their Facebook page, post to their page so their friends and family know they have been contacted.
- An appeal account for people to donate to a proposed relief fund will be set up once details of the fund are finalised by the Christchurch City Council, meanwhile you can donate to accounts set up by the banks:
ASB - 12-3205-0146808-00
ANZ - 01-1839-0188939-00
National Bank - 06-0869-0548507-00
Westpac - 03-0207-0617331-00
- The NZ Blood Donation service have said they do not require blood donations at this time, but will update their Facebook page when it is needed.
- A Facebook group has been set up for those who are able to offer free temporary accommodation for those affected
- The Red Cross is currently not requiring or accepting donations of goods or volunteers – keep an eye on their website for information. They are accepting online donations.
- The Salvation Army is accepting donations online, and by phone - 0800 53 00 00.
- To lodge an enquiry in relation to missing relatives please call the NZ Red Cross National Enquiry Centre on 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276) (note this line may be overloaded) International calls can be made to +64 7 8502199
- The UC Student Volunteer Army is preparing volunteers to help quake-affected people.
- If you are in Auckland and can offer accommodation to those affected, please register on 0800 AUCKLAND.
- Vodafone users can donate to the Red Alert Canterbury Earthquake Appeal by texting Quake to 333 to make a $3 donation, or by texting Quake to 555 to make a $5 donation. A universal donation text number is currently being set up.
- RadioLIVE has a page set up where you can offer assistance to those affected.
- Telecom stores around the country are collecting corded landline (analogue) phones to distribute to those who can't use their digital phones.
- An interactive map has been set up for those in the Canterbury region with spare beds.
- Paw Justice are sending food shipments to Christchurch for pets affected by the quake. Make a $3 donation by texting FOOD to 4662.
Information for quake-affected New Zealanders:
- Christchurch will be in a state of emergency for the next few days at least.
- Here's where you can get water.
- Here's a list of working ATMs and open banks.
- Do not attempt to enter the CBD.
- Keep the roads clear.
- The 24 hour surgery on Bealy Avenue is open.
- The government help hotline is 0800 779 997 and the Red Cross hotline is 0800 733 276
- Please use text messaging rather than calling where possible.
- A Facebook group has been set up for those who are able to offer free temporary accommodation for those affected.
- Air NZ is offering reduced-fare flights out of the city.
- RadioLIVE has a page set up where you can find assistance offered by members of the public.
- Lifeline helplines are up and running for those who just need to talk - 0800 543 354 or if overloaded: 0800 111 757
- An interactive map has been set up for those in the Canterbury region with spare beds.
3 News
source: newshub archive
