Kids Helping Kids Amidst Disaster

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand—In the wake of the Christchurch earthquake many Latter-day Saint parents have made the most of a unique opportunity to teach their children about following Christ.   

After making sure neighbours, friends, and family in the area were okay, members set about cleaning up any minor damage to their own homes and to check on their extended family and friends.  Some members lost their own homes and had to move elsewhere with their children.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ senior leader in Christchurch, Stake President Maurice McDonald, coordinated welfare efforts that included members volunteering at the welfare shelters where up to 300 people found temporary comfort.  While these activities mostly involved adults, there was also an opportunity for children to help other children in need. 

Even while hundreds of aftershocks continued, one family approached local business owners to contribute craft items and books for her children to assemble in bags.  These bags were presented to the kids of families whose homes were declared unsafe and who were residing temporarily at the Addington Welfare Centre.

Another family took two huge boxes of new toys to the Linwood Welfare Centre, also donated by local businesses.

The mother who coordinated the children-centred welfare activities said "We were concerned about the children in the Centres not having anything to take their minds off their worries.  As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was natural to consider the needs and comfort of the children and families at the welfare centres and that helping others during our own trials would be a great lesson for my own kids."

Brigham Riwai-Couch, one of the children involved said "It made me feel good to help others, but I still wish the shaking would stop."

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