Auckland hospital rallies to assist Tsunami victims

Over $1500 was collected at Auckland City Hospital today to assist the victims of the Asian tsunami disaster.

Christian World Service held a public collection in the main reception area to help fund relief efforts in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia.

“I was amazed at the response we got,” said CWS Auckland field worker, Jacqui Ryan. “People’s generosity was outstanding, many people had already made a donation but gave again. People’s hearts have been overwhelmed by what has happened.”

Chaplains at Auckland City Hospital invited CWS to hold the collection, which was generously supported by hospital staff and the general public. “The Chaplains have been concerned about people’s welfare as many struggle to deal with the news from South Asia,” says Ms Ryan. “This has given people a meaningful way to help”.

Many hospital staff have Indian and Sri Lankan backgrounds and expressed grave concerns about the situation in their home countries. “They were visibly moved and overwhelmed by the disaster and were interested in how aid would reach those most in need,” said Ms Ryan.

Volunteers from the Takapuna, Epsom and St Albert Methodist churches and St Peters Anglican in Onehunga gave their time as collectors.

CWS has partnerships with several groups in the affected area, working with some of the poorest people in South Asia. Money raised will go towards helping with immediate relief needs such as food, water, household goods, clothing and medical supplies as well as longer term efforts to help communities recover from the trauma of the tsunami and rebuild their lives and villages.

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