New webpage will match donations with need

Wednesday, 23 February 2011

The thoughts and sympathy of all Southlanders are with Christchurch people at this time of tragedy, Southland leaders Mayors Tim Shadbolt, Frana Cardno, Tracy Hicks and Chair Ali Timms said today. "Our love and best wishes go to all people affected by this tragedy but especially those that have lost loved ones, whether they be family or friends. We down here in the south feel helpless to do anything but we are setting up support that we hope will make a difference in the next few months as the city moves forward from this devastating earthquake."

Southlanders wanting to do something practical to help Christchurch people can now do so through a dedicated new webpage www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch  They will be able to find out where they can make donations to go to Christchurch people, where they can get information on tracing people in Christchurch and what is needed and what isn't.

Emergency Management Southland public information manager Michele Poole said people would also be able to sign up any accommodation offers they have for Christchurch people to have a break away from the earthquake-ravaged city.

"We know how generous Southlanders are and we know they want to do something, so this website will give people all the information they need to make donations, offer accommodation or start tracing a friend," Ms Poole said.

"Making donations through recognised organisations means the money, services and offers are going where they are needed," she said.

People wanting to offer their specialist services need to contact Emergency Management Southland, and information on how to do this will also be found on www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch

This webpage, set up under Venture Southland's website, is a joint initiative of all the Southland councils - Invercargill City Council, Southland and Gore District Councils and Environment Southland - and Venture Southland.

 For people in the Southland District who do not have access to the internet, all the District Council libraries have free internet services.

 The Mayors and Chair said they were all pleased with this initiative.

 "The Councils will be doing what they can, but are also very aware that help needs to be matched with requirements, so www.southlandnz.com/HelpChristchurch will be very clear about what Christchurch needs and doesn't need, ie, blankets and toys are not needed at the moment."

 Council flags are all at half-mast.

 

Who to contact

If you would like to discuss a matter on this page, feel free to contact us:

Southland District Council
P.O. Box 903
Invercargill 9840
Phone: 0800 732 732
Fax: 0800 732 329
emailsdc@southlanddc.govt.nz