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