Rotarians throughout New Zealand, Australia and Fiji have offered to open up their homes with hospitality for people who have been traumatised over the past six months with the continuing aftershocks following the earthquakes in September and February.
PDG Stuart Batty has been working with members of the NDRF who have referred people to him. The following are just three examples of people* who have found rest and relaxation with Rotarian families away from Christchurch.
Bill lost his job after the first earthquake. This placed undue stress on him and he has since developed a stress-related arthritic condition, which further hinders his ability to seek work. The family live in the worst affected part of Christchurch, had no electricity for weeks, water supply is still intermittent and there is still no sewage disposal facility. They have to use port-a-loos placed out on the street. Their home is badly damaged. Margaret although 72 is working is working to pay the bills.
This family are living in a rental house that has also been damaged by the earthquake. They are currently living in the lounge. The children are so traumatised that they won’t go and sleep in the bedrooms. One child has a disability that further increases the trauma for him. The father has terminal cancer. They also live in the worst affected suburb of Christchurch, and like the family above have been without electricity for weeks, water supply is still intermittent and there is no sewage disposal facility.
Bob is living with his brother plus 8 children in a three bedroom house. His son 6 does not live with him, but he has access on a regular basis, which has become difficult in his current living situation. Bob is well respected in his neighbourhood for helping out. He has willingly volunteered his time to work for others similarly placed in the community, working at least 8 hours per day, every day. After a break away with his son which strengthened their bonding and relationship, the son’s response to Stuart on their return was “the holiday was awesome”.
* names have been changed to protect their privacy
To offer similar assistance please go to www.rotarysouthpacific.org