Thursday, 12 May 2011

Newmarket urges sustained focus on Christchurch

Newmarket Business Association CEO, Ashley Church, is urging businesses and communities not to forget about Christchurch in the months ahead.

He says it's important not to forget that the devastating effects of the earthquake on 22 February will be with the people of Christchurch for years to come.

"In the days immediately following that terrible event the whole country was mobilised to do whatever it could to help. But as time passes, and other issues consume us, it's easy to forget that the quake is still disrupting lives and will have an impact on Christchurch that will last for 10 to 20 years".

Mr Church is asking communities to think about how they would want the country to respond if they found themselves in the same position as Christchurch.

"Kiwis are already the most generous people on the face of the planet so I'm simply asking them to keep Christchurch top-of-mind as a focus for their generosity".

Earlier this week the Newmarket Business Association presented a cheque for $8,000 to the Salvation Army to assist in the Christchurch rebuilding and support efforts. The money was raised through a Gold Coin Appeal, in Newmarket, in the weeks following the Christchurch quake.

"We chose the Sallies because they're already on the ground down there, because they have a long history in Christchurch, and because they're focussed on practical support around accommodation and rebuilding efforts. We're very confident that the money raised will be put to very good use by them".

Mr Church says that the Newmarket Business Association will continue to consider other ways in which it can support Christchurch and is already talking to a major Auckland agency about another initiative to provide support to the Canterbury region.

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