Rotary in New Zealand wants to return help to Japanese

Christchurch, March 13 2011 – When the devastating earthquake hit Canterbury on February 22, Japanese Rotarians were among the first to respond with a large donation to the Rotary New Zealand Canterbury Earthquake Fund.

Now New Zealand’s Rotarians are rallying to reciprocate following the earthquake and tsunami in Japan on March 11.

Margaret Reeve, District Governor for Canterbury and the upper South Island, says New Zealanders and especially those who experienced the horror and heartbreak in Canterbury feel empathy for people in Japan who have lost or a missing loved ones.

“We are not sure just what we can contribute considering the support people in our local communities need and the massive rebuild we face. But this is time to come together and help people who were the first to rally to assist us,” Mrs Reeve says.

International donations from Rotary clubs throughout the world, including Japan, Brazil, South Africa, the United States and United Kingdom, have contributed to more than $260,000 that has poured into the RNZWCS charity’s fund at Westpac (www.rnzwcs.org).

“I am sure Rotarians throughout New Zealand in the coming weeks will dig deep again and help the Japanese,” Mrs Reeve said. “We will be communicating among clubs to let them know just how they will be able to do that.”

Rotarians in Christchurch are continuing to work alongside other agencies to help hand out supplies, clean up and support people. The money Rotary has raised is being 100% channelled into helping the recovery and rebuild of the region.

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Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service and help to build goodwill and peace in the world. There are 1.2 million Rotary members in 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

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