Vital support for the people of Canterbury

Today The Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem Charitable Trust will make the first of three yearly donations of $10,000 to Victim Support for its work supporting the people of Canterbury as they continue to contend with the emotional and physical after-effects of natural disasters.

Victim Support is an independent incorporated society that provides a free 24 / 7 community response to help victims of trauma caused by such things as a criminal act, violence, a natural disaster, a major accident. It is the predominant organisation carrying out this work and the only national provider.

From February to May 2011, Victim Support helped almost 3,170 people locally, along with 7,000 earthquake-related victims located in other parts of the country, assessing their needs and providing support and referral.

“Our work in Canterbury continues,” said Victim Support CE, Kevin Tso. “We supported people at the time of each emergency, including the recent flooding, and we continue to support many in the aftermath. Some people only now realise they are not coping and need our help.

“This generous donation, made over three years, means we can plan our continuing work here. It also highlights the need we have for funding to provide help for people who suffer through no fault of their own.

“We are so grateful that people around the world have seen the plight of the people of Canterbury and come to their aid. We hope this human act of compassion and generosity will inspire local organisations to consider how they too can support us.”

The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem, a chivalric, ecumenical Christian and charitable Order with 50 jurisdictions and a large number of philanthropic projects across the world, selected Victim Support for its work in Canterbury. The funds have been raised by its international Orders, and its generous donation will help Victim Support continue its vital work in supporting earthquake and flood victims in Canterbury.

Christchurch resident and Deputy Grand Prior of The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus, Jan Hadfield, said how delighted they are to contribute to the work of Victim Support, work that is “so dear to our hearts.”

“We are a very old ecumenical Order, dating back to before the Crusades, and all through history we have been involved with the plight of the needy, as is Victim Support. We are thrilled to be able to help Victim Support as their need for help is very real.”

Jan well knows how much local victims have needed support. “So many people have been through so much,” she said. Jan lost three houses: her own home and two investment properties. “I have learned what’s important: to be safe, healthy and happy. Nothing else matters. I used to live in a house with seven bedrooms and four bathrooms. After the earthquake, I was grateful to move into a converted garage, which is home for now. It’s tiny and it’s lovely.”

For more information:

Getting help - 0800 VICTIM or 0800 842 846

Volunteering - 0800 VOLUNTEER or 0800 865 868

Donating – 0900 842 846

Our website - www.victimsupport.org.nz

ENDS

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