Partners in Adversity - New Zealand and Japan

District 2560 Governor Kinya Higashiyama in Niigata, Japan sent a heart-warming letter of sympathy and thanks. His District 2560 also sent a donation to the Rotary New Zealand Christchurch Earthquake Appeal  Click here to read in Japanese and English

Donations to the Rotary New Zealand Japan Earthquake Appeal can be made via Rotary New Zealand World Community Service Ltd  Click here to donate

Praise for Rotary Volunteers

"In emergency situations like this, circumstances can change rapidly and operating environments can be very "fluid” and at times chaotic. The "can do” attitude of the members of Rotary and their willingness to respond quickly and decisively is a true credit to Rotary. I have had the good fortune to work with some remarkable individuals that makes our job so much easier. They are truly a pleasure to work alongside." - World Vision Regional Manager South Island Christopher Hannen [26 February]

Bridging Continents in Australia

District 9690 Governor Marilyn Mercer in NSW asked her fellow Australian DGs who have confirmed that some of their Rotary clubs & Rotarians would like to offer homestay holidays for people from Christchurch, so they can get away for a while as their houses are being rebuilt.

District 9750 Governor David Brawn in NSW opened "a District 9750 Appeal to support the community affected by the earthquake in and around Christchurch because many Rotarians have a close affinity with New Zealand through family, friends and work colleagues, and want Rotary to help our fellow Rotarians in New Zealand to support the rehabilitation efforts in the local community there."

Rotary in Lower North Island Hold Successful Fundraising Day

9940 DG Howard Tong's blog http://howard-actionscount.blogspot.com/ (District 9940 is at the bottom of the North Island of NZ)

As part of a District-wide project day on 26 February, many Wellington Clubs held a very successful street collection at the Wellington Railway Station and at central city Midland Park with close to $15,000 being collected.

A Late Lunch With TV celebrity chef Al Brown organised with the Rotary Club of Awapuni (in Palmerston North) on 26 February at PDG Rodney & Angela Wong's home raised $2,500 in cash on the day for the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal (which will be doubled to $5,000 by putting it through Fonterra as they are matching donations $ for $, only if you are a supplier or employee, up to $1 million).

Rock ‘n Roll Revival Evening organised by Rotary Club of Otaki, in conjunction with the Otaki RSA, at the Otaki Memorial Hall on 19 March.

Rotary Press Releases, Articles & Announcements to 6 March

Rotary New Zealand Press Release: Christchurch Earthquake Rotary volunteer just wants to deliver dignity [1 March 2011 on day 8 after the earthquake] Click here  

  

Rotary Down Under Press Release [28 February] Click here

Rotary International Weekly Update included NZ Rotarians responding to the Christchurch Earthquake [25 February] Click here 

Rotary New Zealand Press Release: Rotarians send money and offer homes to earthquake victims [on 23 February on day 2 after the earthquake and Rotary's 106th anniversary] click here to read

Rotary District 9970 Announcement at South Pacific Presidents Elect Training Seminar in Auckland, New Zealand on 6 March:

$260,000 has been raised for Canterbury through Rotary fundraising efforts so far!  District Governor Margaret Reeve shared her "heartfelt thank you for messages of support, website development, press releases and huge support so we can concentrate on what is important.  54% of 9970 Rotary clubs are based in Christchurch, and we recognise that the heart of Rotary is clubs and members."  Assistant Rotary Coordinator PDG Ross Skinner emphasised "it is chaotic down in Christchurch in terms of earthquake response, so Rotary will network facilitated solutions.  Rotary districts and clubs can decide to support the long term rebuilding fund or the short term response."  District 9970 has appointed a committee to recommend the process of distribution of donations.  Margaret added "Rotary money will be put into areas where there is no Government or other agency funding.  We will re-build the community and bridge continents.  This is a tremendous opportunity, and there is reason for optimism." 

Rotary New Zealand Press Release: Earthquake drives winds of change [6 March with aftershocks still continuing] Click here

Rotary Down Under magazine March 2011 features the Christchurch Earthquake

The March 2011 issue of the Rotary Down Under magazine featured the Christchurch Earthquake and the initial Rotary response.  This issue can be viewed on-line via www.rotarydownunder.org (archive)