MESSAGES OF SUPPORT FOLLOWING CHRISTCHURCH EARTHQUAKE
"This is a note to let you know the Rotary Family from District 9350 has been thinking of you and your fellow Rotarians following the earthquake. I was a Rotary exchange student to New Zealand so it is my second country! With thoughts and best wishes to all affected by this event."
- District 9350 Governor Shân Biesman-Simons from South Africa www.rotary9350.co.za (includes Angola, Namibia and South Africa) on 4 March
"We can use the Rotary network to help rebuild Christchurch. Rotary's forte is community service. Thank you for what you do for the world through Rotary because Rotary is the spirit of service, & utilising that at the time of the Christchurch crisis. New Zealand truly is a special place."
- Rotary International President Ray Klinginsmith when visiting Auckland, New Zealand on 2 March
"I have had messages from Rotary District 6000 Iowa District Governor Gary Welch whose GSE Team will be arriving in District 9910 in a couple of weeks time. I have had messages from DGs in Australia who I contacted when they were having the floods, also DGs in India who I have met. These messages have forwarded to 9970 DG Margaret Reeve because they truly show the internationality of the Rotary Family."
- District 9910 Governor Maxine Neighbour from Whangarei, New Zealand on 1 March
"What can be organised quickly to assist our friends across the ditch?" was the major topic of conversation amongst the 200 Rotarians and friends present at Rotary's 106th anniversary on 23 February in Perth [Australia]. I was able to inform them that Rotary Down Under had been quickly on the job and that details would be in the March issue of RDU."
- Rotary Down Under Managing Editor PDG Bob Aitken from NSW, Australia on 24 February
A message of support was also received from:
- International Rotary Leadership Institute Vice-Chair Oceania and District Chair of The Rotary Foundation PDG Cathy Roth from Geelong, Victoria, Australia
"Our hearts go out to you and our many friends in New Zealand with news of the recent catastrophic earthquake.
We were stunned by viewing the television news reports of the damage throughout your beautiful country and in awe of the brave men and women stepping forward to risk their own lives to protect and aid their friends, neighbors and communities, often putting aside their personal needs and losses. Please know that Vicki and I are thinking of you and praying for your family, friends and fellow New Zealanders! We send our very best to you."
- Past Rotary International Director Ron Beaubein from Coronado Island in San Diego, USA on 23 February
"We trust you and your families are all safe after this latest devastating disaster- what a nightmare. It seems so unreal to us that this has happened in NZ. It appears the city will never be the same, ever- it must have been so terrifying to experience. We know there’ll be tragedy amongst many Rotarian families in the city. Please know we are thinking of you all and let us know just what we can do to help in any way that we can. No doubt the Rotarians will be on the ground helping as soon as possible – please keep us posted on what you need as the next days and weeks unfold. With our love and thoughts at this time."
- Rotary International Director Stuart and Adrienne Heal from Cromwell, New Zealand on 23 February
"This really is another bad time for your district, following the earlier earthquake and the [Pike River] mine disaster. I just want you and all my Kiwi friends in that part of the world to know that the entire Rotary world is thinking of you in your collective sadness. I am in Chicago as Moderator of the RRFC Institute and this morning we stood for a moment of silence in respect for those lost in the quake and in solidarity with our NZ brothers and sisters. PRIP Bill Boyd and RRFC John Cole were in the group, and have been overwhelmed with messages of support. This is the family of Rotary at its best. Keep your chin up, and if there is anything I can do please let me know." - Rotary International Past Director and Treasurer Ian Riseley who lives in Victoria, Australia on 23 February
"I am amazed at the messages I am getting from so many places around the world. Rotary is a great family!”
– Past Rotary International President Bill Boyd from Auckland, New Zealand on 22 February