For Immediate Release 8 July, 2011

$2,000 Raised for Emergency Kits for Refugees In Christchurch

RASNZ is sending $2,000 to Christchurch Resettlement Services to help toward purchase of emergency kits for the homes of those from refugee backgrounds affected by the earthquakes. The funds have been raised through the help of the Cambodian Community in Auckland in the showing a film at the Mangere Centre during World Refugee events on 20 June which were organised by Immigration New Zealand.

An amazing story in the fundraising effort for Christchurch is a random act of kindness by Patrick Dawley from Ohio in the United States. Patrick was on holiday and bicycle touring in Christchurch in February when the quake hit, and he wanted to do something to help out. Once back at home he organised a blog site and raised $1200 to send to New Zealand.

Patrick said, "I strongly believe that now in the wake of this disaster, a far greater emphasis needs to be placed on the personalised care that physically and emotionally affected victims require. Having researched the nonprofits involved, I feel that RASNZ should be the focus of channelling this effort." Patrick raised the funds among bloggers, friends and family, and posted a cheque to RASNZ in Auckland.

Christchurch Resettlement Services is, together with the Wellington Refugees as Survivors Trust, and RASNZ, form the Coalition of Refugee Service (CORS) Alliance working in the field of trauma and mental health. CRS General Manager Shirley said that the funds will be used to supply families from refugee backgrounds with emergency kits including the resources needed to be prepared to get through an event.

During February and March, trauma teams from RASNZ worked in Christchurch together with colleagues in Christchurch Resettlement Services and Canterbury Health Partnerships PHO to help address the immediate needs of those severely affected by the earthquake, including working with bereaved family members from overseas. During February the Wellington RAS Trust also sent volunteers to help CRS including a psychologist who worked pro bono. In March, RASNZ also provided 800 self-generating flashlight torches for distribution by the Canterbury Refugee Council to homes and families.

The communities from refugee backgrounds in Christchurch have made major ongoing contributions to the clean-up and reconstruction and to the recovery effort which have been recognised in some recent media news items.

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