December 2011 Earthquakes - yet again, more damage

Yet again on 23 and 24 December Christchurch experienced significant earthquakes.

This picture is from Assistant Rotary Coordinator Ross Skinner showing, as he put it, that this time the fence won.  This sort of occurrance is widespread and in addition to the damage and liquifaction reported in the media.

Media article at: http://nz.news.yahoo.com/a/-/top-stories/12450609/quakes-overshadow-christmas-for-chch/ 

If you would like to assist the Rotary response to the Christchurch Earthquakes please go also to http://www.christchurcheq.rotarysouthpacific.org/

Rotary helps restore emergency services

Staying prepared: Rotary International president-elect Sakuji Tanaka, of Japan,

looks over equipment with Tony Dowell, centre, and Tatsu Kuwasaki of St John Ambulance.

An international fundraising drive has replenished emergency resources that were exhausted after the Canterbury earthquakes.

Rotary presented Christchurch’s St John Ambulance with $70,000 on Saturday with contributions coming from Rotary clubs around the country and the world.

Lindsay Crossen, Rotary co-ordinator for the fundraising project, said the money would help St John replace medical equipment, personnel equipment, mass casualty incident equipment, medical kits, welfare boxes (to support staff in emergency) and first response packs.

‘‘Christchurch and Canterbury requires the full mobilisation of St John whenever disaster strikes. During the earthquakes, St John consumed a lot of their basic emergency resources to the extent that their capability to respond to another similar event to 22 February in the near future will be a challenge.

‘‘After being used in an emergency, many resources are damaged or consumed to the extent that they are no longer reliable or usable for first response emergency.’’

Rotary district governor David Drake said it celebrated the links between Christchurch and Japan and their recent shared earthquake experiences with President-elect of Rotary International, Sakuji Tanaka from Japan, presenting the cheque.

‘‘Mr Tanaka wanted to come to Christchurch to personally present the cheque.

‘‘The links between New Zealand and Japan have been strengthened this year and Mr Tanaka’s visit is recognition of that.’’

Also Mr Drake explained that The Rotary Foundation and Rotary District 3780 in Quezon City, Philippines, were the international connections who provided a substantial part of project funding.

South Island St John general manager David Thomas thanked Rotary for its dedication and fundraising.

‘‘St John is a charity that relies on the generosity of the community, and community organisations like Rotary, to help us with our caring activities. The costs and impact of the earthquakes have been great on us, so the support of the members of Rotary is vital. They have dug deep to support us and have also reached out internationally.’’

Tanaka’s visit to St John was an honour, he said.

‘‘The people of Japan know only too well the trauma and destruction of earthquakes. St John is deeply honoured to have Mr Tanaka visiting us in Christchurch.’’

A personal comment

We were fortunate to find ourselves in Christchurch for the latter part of Show Week and were generously hosted during two days by Margaret Reeve and Ross Skinner.  During this time we were shown around the city and had a brief look at many aspects of how the earthquakes had affected the city.  Like most outside of Christchurch we had learned about much of what we saw in the media but nothing prepared us for seeing the devastation ‘first hand’.  Frankly we were stunned and think anyone would be.   

The RESTART shopping area
Note the carpark building behind awaiting demolition

It is one thing to see media snapshots of houses damaged and abandoned but another to drive down street after street with house after house destroyed and only the occasional resident “hanging on”. Or even in the least affected suburbs to see all too frequently gaps in the landscape and continuous loss of chimneys, fences and occasionally a wall off a building – and know this is just what was readily visible.  The sheer scale of the buildings coming down in the CBD is staggering let along the size of most of these buildings.  Just mind blowing.

Then to see the Restart (container) shopping area – the ingenuity just blew us away.  Likewise how displaced businesses have managed to move to other parts of the city and get going again. We truly hope no other part of NZ has to go through this sort of experience in the future.  It is clear that support for Christchurch is going to be needed long-term for the city ... and its people.  What is being achieved by Rotary (and many other groups) is incredible and despite an immense amount of activity it appears the need has hardly been dented due to its scale. We could only marvel at the spirit of all we met, their resilience and determination to make the best of their situation.

-          Colin and Beryl Robinson

Earthquake Recovery Support Project - November Newsletter

Welcome to this November circulation outlining activities of the Earthquake Recovery Support Project (EQRSP).

(Note: The Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Appeal Charitable Trust has a separate newsletter to communicate its activities.) We have encouraged all Rotary Clubs in the District to become actively involved in earthquake recovery support. This Newsletter is an important communication.

Earthquake Focus Club Assembly

On 13^th October, DG David Drake hosted a Special Club Assembly for Canterbury Rotary Clubs to update them on activities of both the EQ Appeal Charitable Trust and the EQ Recovery Support Project. The Charitable Trust has distributed over $1 million to over 100 applicants and the Project Committee has matched up about $120,000 to projects. Inner Wheel NZ EQ Committee also informed the gathering about its activities focusing on the needs of women, children and the aged.

The assembly provided an opportunity for clubs to report their activities over the past six months and give observations of what community needs could benefit from Rotary assistance. Generally there was a consensus that Rotary’s efforts to date are admirable and there was a lot of conversation identifying future opportunities.

Pools in Schoolz  

After February’s earthquake created a serious swim shortage for Christchurch’s eastern suburbs and Kaiapoi, local generosity is giving affected primary school students “a swimming chance.”   Sport Canterbury’s “Pools in Schoolz” initiative has been made possible through funding from Rotary International, Mainland Foundation, Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust and Water Safety New Zealand. 

Sport Canterbury authorised the purchase of two portable pools – which are being installed this week at Kaiapoi and at Queenspark School for the start of Term 4. Two more pools will be installed in early 2012.  In partnership with Christchurch City Council and Waimakariri District Council, the pools represent Sport Canterbury’s commitment to ensure that local primary school students continue learning the skills required to “swim and survive.” 

“Christchurch has lost 60% of its pool capacity,” says Sport Canterbury CEO Geoff Barry. “Generations have relied upon QEII; the February earthquake changed so much, so quickly, for local families. It changed more than their sporting habits, but their access to a critical life skill – swimming.”    “The east side of Christchurch now has a serious challenge,” says Barry. “The barriers (time, cost and transport) for eastern suburb students to reach western suburb pools are massive – and daunting. 

“We know that New Zealand has the third highest drowning rate in the world - this makes access to “swim and survive” skills absolutely critical for our young people.” 

 “Introducing a 'portable' pool is an ideal way to make an immediate difference for families who have almost given up on swim,” says Barry, who expects the pools to see over 500 kids swimming each week.  Rotary has contributed $84,000 to the project, 50% from Australian Rotarians and the balance from eight NZ Rotary Clubs and the EQ Charitable Trust. Three local clubs provided muscle to erect the two pools.  The attached link tells about the other EQ and youth sport activities promoted by Sport Canterbury. http://keepsportalive.org.nz/2011/09/taking-pools-toschools-2/

Philanthropic and Agency Funds  

The following grants and funds are just some of those available. Detailed information about each Fund, application criteria and procedures are shown on their websites (just Google). Rotary Clubs may be able to facilitate and support applications by community groups.

·         Local Government and Community Branch of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).

·         Lottery Grants and Community Grants Schemes

·         Family and Community Services funding

·         Child Youth and Family funding

·         Community Max

·         Charitable Trusts administered by the Public Trust

·         The Lion Foundation

·         Creative New Zealand

·         The JR McKenzie Trust

·         New Zealand Community Trust

·         Canterbury Community Trust

·         Sport & Recreation New Zealand

·         Techsoup (IT equipment)

·         The Tindall Foundation

·         The Todd Foundation

·         Vodafone NZ Foundation

·         Chch Rotary Earthquake Appeal Charitable Trust

·         ASB Bank

·         Wayne Francis Charitable Trust

·         Red Cross NZ Canterbury Earthquake Fund

·         Christchurch Earthquake Mayoral Relief Fund

·         Chch EQ Appeal Trust (The Prime Minister’s Fund)

·         Canterbury Earthquake Heritage Building Fund

·         Hardship Fund

·         Christchurch City Council

1. Strengthening Communities Fund

2. Small Grants Fund

3. Discretionary Response Fund

4. Community Organisation Loans scheme

5. Mayor's Welfare Fund

·         There are a number of companies which have also established Funds to assist EQ recovery.

Glenhaven Hosts RYLA Attendee

The Rotary Club of Glenhaven in the Sydney Area, (President Neville Candy) has sponsored a candidate to attend their RYLA Course in January. RC Christchurch West have chosen Sinead RENNELL of Halswell, Christchurch to attend. An excellent gesture by our Australian Friends.

Where are the Emerging Projects  

We are well past the recovery phase and are now very much into the rebuild phase. Many Rotary Clubs are considering where to focus their effort in their community. The following scenarios may give some guidance on where support is needed as many organizations address their purpose and sustainability as important contributors to immediate and future community wellbeing.

In the suburbs, many community facilities, sports and recreation facilities have been damaged or have ceased operation. This includes school facilities, swimming pools, sports and playgrounds, libraries, community meeting places, museums, etc. Whilst essential community services have been temporarily restored, it will be some time before the communities will enjoy the facilities and networks they previously had.

Supporting individuals, households and communities to rebuild their lives after earthquakes is an enormous task as people are relocated from their homes, leaving behind neighbours, friends, social and sporting clubs, schools, churches and many other networks that bind a community together. Community wellbeing activities need to offer responsive and flexible support for people. This includes help to cope with stress and uncertainty and minimize potential hardship and unnecessary disruption to housing, education and health. Communities and volunteer organisations need to be supported, so they can rebuild their strength and resilience for present and future generations.

The loss of the QEII Park sports complex in the east is huge because it was central to the operations of many clubs and organizations. Many arts organizations and artists have lost offices, performing and exhibition spaces and the means to earn a living. The loss of venues and volunteers threatens the continued existence of many clubs, groups and societies that bind communities together.

Fundraising, for which so many charities, disabled persons, schools, early childhood centres, sports groups, youth groups, aged peoples groups, etc, relied, has diminished. This is due to so many people, having experienced personal property or business damage, being reluctant to support fundraising activities to the level they traditionally have.

OPERATION LIQUEFACTION REPORT

A $43,000 fuel bill paid

Contractors, who worked tirelessly to clean-up liquefaction from some of the worst hit streets and properties in Christchurch, are to receive a major financial boost.

The rural farming co-operative CRT, in conjunction with its fuel supplier Caltex, has announced it will pay $43,000 dollars in operational costs and fuel costs incurred by Bobcat and digger operators.

These contractors, who helped hundreds of families in February struggling to cope in the immediate aftermath of the quake, initially donated their time and equipment but were left facing a substantial bill as the extent of the liquefaction became apparent.

Background

Immediately after the February 22^nd earthquake, a group of private contractors and friends with access to machinery and diggers launched an operation to help clean up some of the worst affected properties Wainoni, Dallington and Avondale.

Over a two and a half week period this group cleared mud, sand and silt from more than six hundred properties, giving residents not only access to their homes but a renewed sense of hope.

Using commercial contacts and coordinating with the Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise and voluntary groups; ‘Operation Liquefaction’ is an example of small businesses coming together to make a big difference.

Their efforts will be recognised when CRT / Caltex and residents from Gertrude Place in Avondale hand over a cheque for $43,000 to contractors on Thursday 17^th November at 2.00pm.

Tour the Red Zone ... heartbreaking

This video is 32 minutes but you can stop, fast forward etc at anytime.  Includes a commentary.


http://youtu.be/f8Lic4MCNek 

Cricketing Fellowship goes in to bat for local cricket club

A huge thank you to New Zealand International Fellowship of Cricketing Rotarians (N.Z.I.F.C.R.) member and secretary John Hannah from Nelson

on his presentation of a cheque for NZ$3000 to Heathcote Cricket Club Captain Ian Cartwright.

The funds will be used towards the cost of rebuilding the Club’s pavilion, damaged during the earthquake earlier this year.

The Rotary Club of Christchurch Sunrise in conjunction with the Rotary Club of of Balwyn – D9810 Victoria has committed additional funding to support the earthquake rebuild of this much needed and used community facility.

See this link www.heathcote.co.nz for further information:

Inner Wheel doing a huge amount

Inner Wheel New Zealand has received a large number of donations from Inner Wheel clubs world wide.  They have established a committee to advise on how these donation are best spent with a focus on women and children and their recommendations are then sent to the Inner Wheel NZ Executive for approval before distribution.

So far distributions have been made to:

St Pauls School (new library book having lost their library and books)
Cholmondeley Children's Home (therapeutic resources to enhance their programmes)
Cross Over Trust (organising school activities)
198 Health Services (for replacement equipment)
Cantterbury Charitable Hospital (Trauma Centre equipment)
Christchurch Women's Refuge (general items)
St John (two hand held radio sets for communications in the field plus two defibrillators)

and more plus more recommendations under consideration.

In addition Inner Wheel members across New Zealand have provided much by way of Donations in Kind, especially school clothing, nappies and knitting and quilts.

Note:  Internationally, Inner Wheel is one of the largest women’s voluntary service organisations operating in the world.  For New Zealand please visit http://www.innerwheel.org.nz/

Down it comes

Demolition of the SBS Building (formerly Manchester Unity Bldg) on corner of Worcester and Manchester Streets

http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/christchurch-earthquake-2011/5800297/SBS-House-comes-down

... was it meant to come down quite this was.

October Update Newsletter

Welcome to this October circulation outlining activities of the Earthquake Recovery Support Project (EQRSP).

(Note; The Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Appeal Charitable Trust has a separate newsletter to communicate its activities.)

We have encouraged all Rotary Clubs in the District to become actively involved in earthquake recovery support. This Newsletter is an important communication.

Can you please ensure it is forwarded on to your Rotarians and EQ project teams in your club.

Matching Grants

In mid September we received notification that our Matching Grant application to The Rotary Foundation was approved. The project is for Replacement of Emergency and Medical Equipment for St John Ambulance - total project value $69,000.

Clubs in our District who supported the MG with commitment of their DDF are RCs Ashburton, Nelson West, Ashburton Plains and Bishopdale Burnside. RC Chch West and RC East Malden (UK) provided cash contribution also.

D3870 – Philippines, is the Matching Grant International Sponsor with a contribution of US$20,000. District 3780, which includes all chartered Rotary Clubs within the territory of Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines, was formally established by Rotary International in 1989. Since then, District 3780 has held the distinction of being probably the only "one-city, one R.I. district" in the entire Rotary world. There are over 90 clubs in the District with more than 2000 Rotarians. See http://www.district3780.org/ and read about our generous MG partners. Special thanks to PDG Danilo Espinosa for his excellent liaison

District Simplified Grant

Application has been made to The Rotary Foundation to approve a District Simplified Grant (20% of DDF – about $15,000) to be applied for earthquake humanitarian projects. This will enable the six “EQ Front Line Clubs” to spent their DDF allocation on projects in their catchment.

Portable Swimming Pools

Rotary has partnered with an initiative by Sport Canterbury to enable “learn to swim and survive” programmes in schools to continue (32 schools currently have no access to swimming pools with the loss of QEII, Centennial Pool and pools in Kaiapoi and Linwood). The first two pools have been ordered and will be installed at Kaiapoi and Queenspark Schools.

Funds have been committed by D9750 Sydney; RC Belfast-Kaiapoi; RC Whakatane; RC Coffs Harbour South; RC Nelson West; RC Richmond; RC Motueka; RC Bishopdale Burnside and CREQA Fund. Thank you for your generosity.

Respite Vacations

We have generous offers from North East Victoria (Aust); Northern NSW (Aust); and Rotorua for provision of travel, accommodation and friendly hosting to Rotarians who deserve a respite break from their business and home difficulties as a consequence to the earthquakes. Can Clubs give consideration to likely recipients within their midst and contact Lindsay Crossen to align the offers (all enquiries will be confidential)

Projects Completed

Roger Horton , Group Leader Mount Pleasant Sea Scouts with Sea Scouts Vaughan Bamford and Campbell Wright receiving a cheque for $4000.00.

The donation was made for rescue boat repairs so they can carry out their activities on Lyttelton Harbour as the Estuary is not available due to pollution and depth changes following the earthquakes. The funding was made up from RC Winton Club (Southland), RC Murgon Club (Brisbane) and RC Christchurch South who coordinated the project.

Support from Mosgiel

Colin Mackintosh represented the Rotary Club of Mosgiel was in Christchurch recently where he attended gatherings at Te Mapua Trust, RC Christchurch South and RC Linwood-Woolston. At these meetings cheques were handed over for more than $25,000 which had been raised by Mosgiel Club to assist with earthquake recovery projects. The Rotary Clubs coordinated the projects in their local areas.

The money contributed the Te Mapua Child & Youth Trust is for the purchase of equipment which will help it run the camps more effectively in the future. These include: 50 camp stretchers, 50 bed rolls, a covered trailer for transporting camping gear, a data projector and screen, and a portable public address system.

The Principal of Waltham Primary School, Gordon Caddie, was given a cheque to help rebuild the library shelving and Colin Hammond, Principal of Bamford Primary School (both are low decile schools) received a cheque for $3,000 to assist in funding an educational trip to Wellington. These projects will help bring some normality to those schools in EQ affected communities.

Support from the Far North

Soon after the February earthquake PDG Merv Huxford of District 9910 organised an humanitarian matching grant and aligned to the Aranui Community Trust. This association has progressed to nearly $25,000 of $500 Family Needs Grants being distributed to needy cases. This project has had great support from the Rotary Clubs of Bay of Islands, Kerikeri, Maungaturoto, Whangarei South and Kaitaia.

Separately, when Burwood School (which has 70% of its catchment Red Zoned) asked for assistance with 3 small projects, District 9920 and the Chenery Memorial Trust made funds available for RC Chch North to assist the school.

Emerging Projects

The following are potential earthquake recovery projects that the Project team is currently evaluating;

Mobile Library Vans to extend the CCC mobile library service where community libraries have been damaged and closed and the people demographics has changed around the City. A project is being developed in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries to assist them to rejuvenate and extend their current services.

Repair of “soft surfacing” under a number of playgrounds around the city – this has potential for a Club working project.

A number of Sports Clubs are now working on recovery of their facilities and projects requiring assistance are starting to emerge.

• Shirley Tennis Club needs to get its courts back operational for its 400 junior players.
• Shirley Boys High School is now back in their school (after six months double shifting with Papanui HS) but their half constructed astro turf sport area is unfinished and their cricket practice facilities and main wicket area need repair.
• The pavilion at the Heathcote Sports Ground, a popular community, cricket and picnic venue, is damaged and requires substantial rebuild.

There are many “donor offers” waiting to support projects allocated or taken up in partnership with Christchurch based clubs. Christchurch clubs who have a project, or have lost their fundraising base and want to continue supporting their Charities and Programs, should contact Lindsay Crossen (contacts above) with their requirements

Special Clubs Assembly

DG David Drake has called a Special Clubs Assembly on 13^th October to update clubs on earthquake assistance in the District and look forward to community needs where Rotary can assist “Recovery”.

Where it is now - a diminishing look (for now)

An aerial view of Christchurch taken a couple of weeks ago. Many, many gaps are already apparent. For example, you can see a very bare Cashel Street along from the Bridge of Remembrance (centre-right). The Hotel Grand Chancellor, the tallest building in this picture, is just one of the many still to be demolished. A very sad sight for all those who love Christchurch.

Photographs courtesy of Alastair Wiffen RC of Nelson

And from the Bulletin:

Wiff spoke of his respect for the residents of Christchurch in their resolve, determination and demonstration of true grit. The people were tired and scratchy for a reason, as their whole world was turned upside down. Wiff said it was 10x worse than anything portrayed on TV.

Even today, the 250 ton crane used in demolition of the largest buildings,when it moves the ground behind it will liquefy from the sheer size of the crane. It only indicates the condition of the soil beneath, and the problems to be faced in the future. Some of the buildings are intact, simply leaning due to the unstable soil beneath them.

One of the solutions being considered, pump grout into holes bored beneath the buildings. With enough pressure, the cavities can be filled and the buildings righted. These new technologies are expensive, come from Japan and the USA, but have never been used on such a large scale. It could prove economically feasible if $2-5,000,000 would be spent to save a 50,000,000 building. Wiff ended by saying he felt it a privilege to work with the people of Christchurch and will never say “harden up”after seeing how they have coped with the quakes.

He is proud of the work Rotary has done in the region, and challenged us to continue to support them, as it will be a long recovery.

RWC & Cholmondeley fundraiser combine - open to all to attend

The Rotary Club of Newmarket Inc, Auckland
invites all to attend the
Rugby World Cup Fundraiser Luncheon
Tuesday 18 October 2011
12noon - 2.30pm
Ellerslie Convention Centre, Ellerslie Racecourse, Auckland
Cost is $35 (incl. GST) per person, cash bar

Speaker is:  Lauron Buys - "What can we learn from the X-Factor players in the World Cup to apply to our business."

The proceeds of this event will go towards the restoration of the children's playground at the Cholmondeley Children's Home in Christchurch which was destroyed in the earthquakes.
RSVP by 13 October to: Patricia 09-917 9402 or email: patricia.geisel@asrl.co.nz

Well deserved recognition

Video of presentation of a PHF by IPDG Margaret Reeve on behalf of District 9970 to Roger Sutton CERA (Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority) .

ASHBURTON GIVE CHRISTCHURCH NORTH A HAND UP AFTER EARTHQUAKE

Following the training session for Presidents-elect in Auckland in March, our respective incoming Presidents  (Karen Clarke for RC Christchurch North and John Driscoll for RC Ashburton)  made contact and talked about what could be done to help the Christchurch club. It was suffering in a number of ways – members with houses, homes, property and businesses ruined (or all of the above). One of their number, John Laurenson, whose personal property was stricken, was also the Principal of the 1400 pupil Shirley Boys High School - very badly damaged by the quake and required to co-locate with Papanui High School. They did not have a regular venue for meetings any more, and many of their members were struggling even to attend weekly meetings and meet basic costs like meal fees and Rotary dues, much less find fund raisers for their annual projects.

At the same time, the Rotary Club of Ashburton,( a town located 100 kms south of Christchurch and relatively unaffected by the immediate effects of the quake,)  was looking for some meaningful ways to help in the city. We were reluctant to put money into places where it might be “swallowed up”, but wanted to get something going to directly assist earthquake victims. This seemed like an ideal opportunity, so the association began.

As soon as Christchurch North settled into a new venue for its meetings, Ashburton sent some members to visit those meetings, to swell their numbers and find what might help them most. These visits have become a regular feature every 2-3 weeks, and we have also had the Christchurch North members come down to one of our meetings, at our cost. We have added a surcharge to our weekly meal fee so that a fund is accumulating to further subsidise some costs for Christchurch North.

Ashburton has agreed to fund a number of the sister Club’s major projects for 2011-12, including the School Honours Roll Project and the Annual Golf Tournament. We will also provide manpower for these events, as the Christchurch Club is still only able to have about half its members attend at any given time. We have helped them sponsor nominations for the Technology/Science Forum in Auckland, and are about to work with one of their schools to arrange a whole school farm visit to Mid-Canterbury (the best farming district in New Zealand, of course!)

Both Clubs see the association as an ongoing process, looking to the longer term and providing support over the foreseeable future. To that end, there is now a good communication base between the current and future administrations of both groups, and some firm friendships have already been established. The moral support, as well as the physical and financial help, is proving to be just as important as anything really, and both Clubs are enjoying the extended contact with fellow Rotarians.

From Ashburton’s  point of view, it is certainly true that we have had few projects over the years that are as satisfying as the opportunity to see direct and specific benefits to others after the traumatic events of the last year. We intend that this will continue!

Don McLeod

Immediate Past President

Rotary Club of Ashburton

District 9920 contributes in many ways

Over several months funds have been contributed by the Rotarians and clubs of District 9920 for Earthquake relief projects in Christchurch via the District 9920 Rotary Foundation Committee (as it is hoped to also find ways to add District Designated Funds and / or Matching Grants to the contributions).  Particular recognition is given to the Rotary Clubs of Parnell Inc, Pakuranga Inc, Ellerslie Sunrise Inc, Somerville Howick Inc and Taravao (French Polynesia) who have each  made significant donations. The following projects have been approved:

1.            Chomondeley Children’s Home Playground project

This Children’s Home provides residential short term respite care and an on-site school for children aged 3-12 years. These children come from families who are experiencing significant stress or difficulties. Maximum care does not exceed 4 weeks and home provides approximately 6000 bed nights per year and is predominately funded by donations, though the school is funded by the Ministry of Education.

This home was extensively damaged in the recent earthquakes. While the house was insured, the playground wasn’t. This playground is an integral part of their education, as all aspects of the playground assists the children in developing positive skills and encourages confidence.

District 9920 is looking at committing $10,000 for this project and will be working with the Rotary Club of Riccarton, Christchurch and the Rotary Club of Newmarket, Auckland on turning this into a Matching Grant project.

2.            Burwood School projects.

These projects are aligned with the Rotary Club of Christchurch North, as they have noticed that this school is in great need, as facing the difficult financial environment due to the earthquake impacting on this local community. The school is functioning, but due to financial constraints have been unable to organise or afford “away from school” activities. These are important to maintain school recreation, social and cultural experiences. The school has looked ahead and outlined help required in the following projects:

-              End of year Assemblies & concerts - estimated cost for the marquee and equipment is $6000

A feature of the school year is the End of Year functions. This year Burwood School has no assembly hall to use and is considering how it can improvise. There is the option of transporting the school to a different location but this presents logistics issues for both the school and parents as well as extra cost.

The school feels that holding end of year activities in its own environment is best for all and is being innovative by hiring a large marquee, seating and sound system for the occasion. There will be about one week’s hire involved and some resources may be required to assist marquee erection and dismantling.

-              Junior School Activity Day - The estimated cost for transport and activity for the Junior School is $2,000

Annually near the end of the year, the Junior School (up to year 3) have traditionally visited the Christchurch Cathedral to sing carols then picnic in the Christchurch Botanical Gardens. Visiting the Cathedral is no longer possible so alternative visits and activities are being researched. This is an activity which costs money for transport of over 100 pupils.

In addition, District 9920 wants to join forces with some of the local Christchurch Rotary Clubs, so to help them, plus their local community and are working closely with their Christchurch Rotary Response Committee, who are feeding potential projects for the district to look at.

The following letter to District 9920 Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Leanne Jaggs shows what Rotarians do in Rotary is quite special, and how sometimes the smallest things, touch so many.

Dear Leanne

Thank you so much for helping us out with the funding for these projects. It is very much appreciated as the members of our Club have been hit pretty hard with the effects of the earthquakes. Half our members have lost a house, or business, or both and it's been very difficult to get back on our feet to help other people as we would like to.

I myself have lost a business and a house so I have gone back to doing some relief teaching. By coincidence I was placed at Burwood School last Friday and I was stunned at the damage the school and its surrounds had suffered. Looking round the school, I noticed that all their play equipment was destroyed in the earthquakes, and what used to be a big adventure playground is now just a large area with bark chips. They definitely do need a marquee for assemblies for the end of the year. As it is now the children take out a carpet sample square on to the tarmac and the assembly is held there. They had one on Friday while I was there and although it was a sunny day, it was freezing in the cold easterly wind.

So I look forward to giving you some more help and feedback with the other projects we are going to do for you.

Very kind regards, and many thanks once again.

Karen Clark

President

The Rotary Club of Christchurch North

Extract of a report to District 9920 Clubs by PDG Leanne Jaggs

Sea Scouts get a boost to repair rescue boat

Roger Horton , Group Leader Mount Pleasant Sea Scouts with Sea Scouts Vaughan Bamford and Campbell Wright in receipt of the cheque for $4000.00. The donation was made for support of rescue boat repairs so they can carry out their activities on Lyttelton Harbour as the Estuary is not available due to pollution following the earthquakes. The amount was made up from:

$1,000 from Winton Club donated through Christchurch

South

$2,500 from Murgon Club (4 hours north of Brisbane) donated through

Christchurch South

$300 personal donation by Christchurch South member

$200 from Christchurch South general funds.

Submitted by:  Assistant Rotary Coordinator Ross Skinner

Report on the use of the donated funds

CHRISTCHURCH ROTARY EARTHQUAKE CHARITABLE TRUST

Newsletter September 2011

Chair IPDG Margaret Reeve

$654,600.75 distributed                     

74 applications approved

10 organisations given more than $20,000        64 organisations given up to $20,000

The Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Appeal Fund has changed its name to the one given above, as it has now been registered as a trust.  It is receiving applications and distributing funds to projects and causes which are a direct need from earthquake consequences.  Fundraising is an indirect consequence and therefore projects being identified by Rotary clubs are not always a priority for Trust consideration.

The committee has been meeting every three weeks to consider applications to this fund.  Many of the requests have been for very worthwhile purposes and the committee members have been touched by the sad situations many people and organisations have found themselves in as a result of the earthquakes and aftershocks.  In addition, there are worthwhile efforts being made to help those in the community who were badly affected, and it is encouraging to see projects designed to rebuild lives and foster resilience.

The last report from this committee listed a large number of Rotary clubs, both in New Zealand and overseas, who have contributed to this fund and their generosity has made it possible for the committee to approve a wide range of applications.

Thanks must also go to some of the Christchurch Rotary Clubs who have been very diligent in seeking out organisations affected by the earthquake and encouraging them to apply.  We hope their efforts continue.

A break-down of the successful applications shows that all groups stated in the Terms of Reference have had support.  These groupings and the number of approved applications follow

SUPPORT FOR OLDER PEOPLE         4 Addington Action

Lyttelton Community House Trust

Familial Trust

Rotary Club of Garden City SUPPORT FOR DISABLED  PEOPLE         5 Head Injury / Dr McKinley Brain Injury Association Alzheimers Canterbury CCS Disability Action NZ Spinal Trust

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES  30

Save the Children Journey of Hope

Aranui Community Trust

Redcliffs Public Library

Canterbury Business Associationn

Birthright (ChCh)

Adventure Specialities Trust

Te Puna Oraka

Whakaoranga Trust (Oscar)

Church Army (Life Skills)

Dr Moor/EQ Research

Parklands Baptist Community

Delta Community Trust

Oasis Baptist Church

Project Esther

Depression Support Network

ChCh Resettlement Services

Te Puna Whaiora

Positive Directions Trust

Diamond Harbour Volunteer Fire Brigade

Mt Pleasant Memorial Community Centre

Presbyterian Support

Petersgate Counselling Centre

Adult Reading Assistance Scheme (ARAS)

Bromley Community Association

New Brighton Project Inc

Mt Pleasant Squash Club

Egyptian Assn of Canterbury

Christchurch Guangdong Association

Canterbury Refugee Council Rotary Club of Papanui To Note: (L) indicates that these applications from Early Childhood Centres or Schools were referred to the Laugesen Trust for payment. Suggestions are made to applicants if the Trustees are aware that other Funds are more  likely to meet the application request.  This report includes applications considered to 21 August 2011.

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE – Total 35

Youth Activities                                14

North Canterbury Alpine Trust

Rapaki District Girl Guides

ChCh Children's Holiday Camps

Youthline Central South Is.

Adventist Development

Linwood/Woolston Rotary Club

Aranui Eagles Rugby League

Burwood Christian Centre

Agape Street Ministries

Kimihia Adventure Programme

Canterbury Rowing Association

Sumner Shoreline Youth Trust

St Martins Scout Group

JR McKenzie Youth Educ Fund (ChCh)

Early Childhood Organisations      10

Kidsfirst Shirley Kindergarten (L)

Bromley Kindergarten (L)

Woolley St Kindergarten

Kidsfirst Kindergarten Mairehau (L)

Kimihia Early Learning Programme

Kidsfirst Kindergarten Papanui  (L)

Plunket Society ChCh North

Kidsfirst Kindergarten Kaiapoi

Kidsfirst Kindergarten Linwood (L)

Redcliffs/Mt Pleasant Plunket Schools                                  11 Bamford School (L) Redcliffs School Bromley School Freeville School Aranui Primary School Beckenham School (L) Papanui Primary School (L) Ferndale Special School Cashmere High School Heaton Intermediate School Hillview Christian School