Four Christchurch Rotary Clubs acknowledge Christchurch's resilience

Re:START mall is Christchurch’s most innovative and diverse shopping experience in the heart of the city.  It includes boutique retailers, banks, food carts and coffee inside bright shipping containers.   

Playing chess on the giant board in Cathedral Square (in front of the Cathedral remains)

The Christchurch trams are running again

Lego land free play area for children in central Christchurch

Tree Houses for Swamp Dwellers sculpture by Julia Morison is part of the free-to-view contemporary public art in Christchurch city (SCAPE Public Art www.scapepublicart.org.nz)  

 

A stunning evening event acknowledged the resilience of the local business community and thanked those who stayed in Christchurch, NZ, to help rebuild the south eastern part of the city. 

Over 200 local businesses were invited to the gathering on October 22, 2014 at the Tannery, a shopping centre with a large atrium in the east of Christchurch. The Tannery is a symbol of the new Christchurch rebuild after the 2011 earthquake.

Each club was allocated a number of places at the event and went door-to-door handing out invitations and telling businesses about Rotary.

130 people attended the function from local business in the Port Hills, Garlands Rd and Ferrymead area.

The event was hosted by four Christchurch Rotary clubs; Linwood–Woolston, Christchurch South, Lyttelton and Ferrymead.  The clubs committed funds to this activity to proactively recruit new members as these four clubs had lost members following the earthquake.

About 30 Rotarians hosted the guests with platters of nibbles and one complimentary drink.  Visitors were also given a card with the meeting details of the four clubs. Their business cards and email addresses were collected for a prize draw and follow-up.  

The Chief Executive of Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce Peter Townsend spoke about the rebuilding of Christchurch and how only 25 per cent has been accomplished. District 9970 Governor Liz Courtney talked about the work of Rotary in the area and overseas. Shelly Harrison gave an insight into being a young Rotarian.

Some new members have joined the clubs following this event.  A follow-up event is planned for early in the new year. 

This format of a cluster group joining together to promote Rotary could be repeated in other areas. It was a good opportunity for business people to network as well as hear what is happening in the rebuild and Rotary’s achievements in the area.

ASSOCIATE TOPIC (not part of article):




Club web addresses at www.9970.rotarysouthpacific.org / Clubs

Submitted to magazine

 

Christchurch Migrants Earthquake Respite Camp

The Otago Youth Adventure Trust / Rotary Club of Milton Tramping Club
Christchurch Migrants Earthquake Respite Camp
– by Peter Vollweiler, Rotary Club of Milton, NZ

For over 30 years, the Rotary Club of Milton in NZ has had a close liaison with the Otago Youth Adventure Trust, a voluntary organization that owns three excellent Outdoor Education Camps in Otago. Milton Rotary has provided labour and finance on many occasions to help construct and maintain facilities at these camps.

The two organisations combined to form a Tramping Club, and since 1986 have taken over 16,000 people on low cost tramping and other trips on some of NZ’s most famous tracks and venues.

The Tramping Club wanted to do something for the people of Christchurch, so they offered a free (including transport) five day stay at the OYAT Berwick Forest Camp near Dunedin for earthquake traumatized families. Social Services Christchurch were approached, and the offer was enthusiastically accepted for migrant families who were more seriously affected by the continual disruptions. We were informed that a party of 39 would be coming down.

Imagine our surprise when the 45-seater bus that we had sent to Christchurch, disgorged 50 people on January 29, 2012, including families from Korea, Afghanistan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Bhutan, China and Japan. 

The plan was to give these people a good time while at Berwick, involve them in some Outdoor Education Camp activities, show them some Otago highlights, and above all have fun! During the next four days most had a go of the flying fox, rifle shooting, archery, abseiling, kayaking, cart racing, a bush tramp and other games.  On the  picnic at Lake Waihola, Rotarians provided boat trips and towed screaming visitors on “biscuits” even though some were in full customary regalia. The afternoon concluded with a good Kiwi BBQ.
One morning was spent on the Taieri Gorge excursion train, and in the afternoon they enjoyed Dunedin’s Moana heated swimming pool, which the Dunedin City Council gave free of charge. That hydro slide sure got a good work out!

Meals were exciting times, as there were so many different cuisines, and numerous trips to local stores had to be made to cater for the different tastes. Milton Rotarian and Berwick Camp Warden for 20 years Jenny Scott stated, “The week was the most rewarding project that I have ever been involved with. I loved every second of it”. All of the members of the Tramping Club who helped at Berwick would echo her sentiments, as it was a very special occasion, witnessing the melding of so many cultures and beliefs into a group that accepted their differences.

The group was extremely well managed by Christchurch Migrants Centre Community Liaison Manager Kevin Park, from Korea.  His ability to relate to the different cultures made our job easier. In a Christchurch publication Migrants Down Under Kevin wrote, “The programme, in fact, has also built confidence within families and individuals, and developed relationships and friendships between attendees despite their great diversity. The migrants and refugees participating in the programme made the most of every opportunity to understand different cultures and respect each other on all aspects of their lives. 

To express their gratitude to the camp organizers, each ethnic group prepared their own national meals on several occasions. The last night’s gathering, before returning to Christchurch, was the highlight of the camp for many. The attendees showed their appreciation to the sponsors and volunteers in words , songs, dancing and cultural performances. Above all, the camp gave both participants, and the Kiwi volunteers, a perspective on the diverse cultural environment in NZ’s society today.”

In a thank you letter from Christchurch Migrant Centre Manager Rex Gibson, QSM, he concluded, “The comments to me when they disembarked in Christchurch were along the lines of “We feel like real Kiwis now”. Many had not been outside Christchurch before.”
The whole exercise was quite a costly event, but we have received some generous donations and discounts from many of our suppliers, for which we are very grateful.

To find out more about our Tramping Club, and how you can join a trip, go to www.otagorotarytrusttramps.org.nz

Christchurch Earthquake Second Anniversary - Rotary is still making a difference to building a better Christchurch

Rotary remains a very active contributor to the continuing recovery of the wider Christchurch community from the 2011 Earthquake. On this second anniversary, we have not forgotten Christchurch and many continue to support projects that help rebuild a better and brighter city.



Click here to read on-line reporting in RDU magazine   

The following are some links to articles in this blog going back to the first anniversary:

http://rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.co.nz/2013/01/canterbury-rotary-clubs-combined-to.html

http://rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.com/2012/11/library-to-go-new-mobile-libraries.html

http://rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.co.nz/2012/10/moving-forward-in-christchurch-poolz-in.html

http://rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.com/2012/08/rotary-earthquake-fundtrust-report.html

http://rotarystories-nzandpacific.blogspot.com/2012/02/christchurch-earthquake-anniversary.html

There are many, many more - please use the search feature on the right, scroll down.

Library to Go – New Mobile Libraries

In a New Zealand first, Christchurch City Libraries will introduce two additions to their line-up of libraries – Mobile Library, a pair of specially-equipped vans that will provide a portable social, recreational and learning space from Monday 3 December.

The vans – each fully kitted-out to deliver familiar library services such as books, magazines, DVDs, CDs and free Wi-Fi – will help fill the gap left in library services after the earthquakes lead to the closure of Bishopdale, Central, Linwood, South and Sumner Libraries. A trailer able to transport additional furniture and equipment will be also available for special events and programmes.

Operating on a weekly schedule that sees them visiting a range of hand-picked locations across the city, Mobile Library will be launched in the New Brighton Christmas Parade on Saturday 1 December and will be in service from Monday 3 December.

Rotary New Zealand sought and received funding for this project after identifying a need in post-quake Christchurch for the more flexible library services the vans provide. One van is funded by Rotary International, and the other through a partnership with Rotary and the Cotton On Foundation.

With the existing Mobile Library bus marking its final day of service on Sunday 25 November, Libraries and Information Unit Manager Carolyn Robertson says the donation is a timely and welcome addition to the library fleet.

“Since the earthquakes, the existing Mobile Library bus has been unable to reach certain parts of Christchurch because of its size. One of the advantages of the new, smaller mobile library vans is their ability to visit these places.

“We’re looking at solutions for getting our closed libraries back on-line, but the introduction of Mobile Library will definitely take some of the sting out of their loss. These vans aren’t a stop-gap measure – they’re attractive, they’re novel, they’re stacked with features and we’re intending for them to have a long life. They’ll be new favourites for a lot of people.”

Mayor Bob Parker says Mobile Library is a huge step towards reducing isolation in certain communities.

“Libraries frequently take on a role as the heart of the community, and to have even one closed is a tangible loss. Mobile Library will work as a band-aid of sorts, increasing participation and delivering a world of knowledge. Christchurch is hugely grateful to Rotary and Cotton On for this incredible gift.”

For a schedule of the mobile vans’ stops, please visit www.christchurchcitylibraries.com/Mobiles

Media Advisory

Media are invited to attend the launch of the Library Mobile on Saturday 1 December, and to explore the vans and interview key figures from Christchurch City Council, Rotary New Zealand and Cotton On Foundation.
From 11.30am
Saturday 1 December
Outside New Brighton Library

Moving forward in Christchurch - Poolz in Schools

Last Wednesday morning, half a dozen Rotary Club of Bishopdale-Burnside Rotarians helped Sport Canterbury and the Christchurch City Council erect a portable pool at Queenspark School.   

Thanks you to Wayne, Keith W, John W, Neale, Bill, Rev and Lindsay for turning out to what became an enjoyable and fulfilling mornings work – everything planned and we didn’t have to think too much about what we had to do – good morning tea too!

So what is Poolz in Schools?

The Feb 22 EQ effectively destroyed learn to swim facilities for 32 schools in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch. This included the major loss of QEII pools which many schools used. Sport Canterbury has organized temporary facilities, in the form of three portable pools, funded instructors and transport to the pools, and generally organized a great program.

The three pools were located at Kaiapoi, Queenspark and Linwood.

Rotary was one of three funding benefactors and contributed $85,000.

Rotary also helped to erect the pools last year when became available.

Christchurch City Council looks after the operations of the pools (filtration equipment, etc).

Thank you very much the manpower from Bishopdale Burnside Rotary for the install of the Queenspark Pool. We are very proud to facilitate the delivery of swimming and water safety to the young people of Christchurch. Your continued support is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards
Julie Reynolds HOLIDAY AND AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMMES MANAGER


from RC Bishopdale-Burnside club bulletin

Rotary Earthquake Fund/Trust Report 1/9/2012

Report from the
CHRISTCHURCH ROTARY EARTHQUAKE CHARITABLE TRUST

This report includes applications considered to 1 August 2012.


• To date $1,831,403.00 available for distribution including $22,378 from interest;
• $1,495,925 distributed;
• 260 applications received;
• 138 applications approved, 14 referred to the  Laugesen Trust, a number referred for matching grants involving other RI Districts and Clubs;
• 20 distributions in excess of $20,000.

The Christchurch Rotary Earthquake Appeal Fund has changed its name to the one given above, as it has now been registered as a Trust.  It is receiving applications and distributing funds to projects and causes which are a direct need from earthquake consequences.  Fundraising is an indirect consequence and therefore projects being identified by Rotary clubs are not always a priority for Trust consideration.

The committee has been meeting every three weeks and more recently every six weeks  to consider applications to this fund.  Many of the requests have been for very worthwhile purposes and the committee members have been touched by the sad situations many people and organisations have found themselves in as a result of the earthquakes and aftershocks.  In addition, there are worthwhile efforts being made to help those in the community who were badly affected, and it is encouraging to see projects designed to rebuild lives and foster resilience.

A previous report from this Trust listed a large number of Rotary clubs, both in New Zealand and overseas, who have contributed to this fund and their generosity has made it possible for the committee to approve a wide range of applications.
Thanks must also go to some of the Christchurch Rotary Clubs who have been very diligent in seeking out organisations affected by the earthquake and encouraging them to apply.  We hope their efforts continue.

A break-down of the successful applications shows that all groups stated in the Terms of Reference have had support.  These groupings and the record of approved applications follow.

Sea Scouts get a boost to repair rescue boat

Roger Horton , Group Leader Mount Pleasant Sea Scouts with Sea Scouts Vaughan Bamford and Campbell Wright in receipt of the cheque for $4000.00. The donation was made for support of rescue boat repairs so they can carry out their activities on Lyttelton Harbour as the Estuary is not available due to pollution following the earthquakes. The amount was made up

from:

$1,000 from Winton Club donated through Christchurch

South

$2,500 from Murgon Club in Brisbane donated through

Christchurch South

$300 personal donation by Christchurch South member

$200 from Christchurch South general funds.

Submitted by:  Assistant Rotary Coordinator Ross Skinner

An Amazing Response to the Christchurch Earthquakes by Rotary

Since the earthquakes, Rotarians in Christchurch have been hard at work, mostly under the radar, assisting community organisations, communities, families and individuals in need.  The support from Rotarians and clubs in New Zealand and around the world has been staggering as has what has been achieved from that support!  The Blog at www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com you will find current reports from the two main Rotary entities managing the identification and implementation/support of recovery projects and the funding of these plus some other news of interest.

·         Earthquake Response Support Project

·         Christchurch Earthquake Charitable Trust

Update on the Christchurch Earthquake Rotary response activities

Just released is an update outlining the many recovery activities of the Rotary response to the Christchurch Earthquake;  To read this in full click on:  http://rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/2011/09/update-on-recovery-activities.html 

Also in that update is information about how you can purchase a special Rotary stamp and support the Rotary response at the same time ... a collectors edition maybe !?

Wheels and Paddles and Shoe Boxes of Love

At the July District 9930 Changeover the keys to a new minibus were handed over to the Canterbury Rowing Association CEO, Rotarian John Wylie along with many members of the New Zealand Under 23 Rowing Squad, with many members from Christchurch.  The minibus was purchased thanks to significant donations from the Rotary Clubs of Cambridge, Tauranga and Hamilton plus smaller donations by the Rotary Club of Otorohanga amd Rotorua's Kawaha Point Primary School - a perfect example of leveraging asnd collaboration.

The minibus was filled with "Shoes Boxes of Love" received from the Cambridge and Taupo communities and quilts from Rotorua for distribution in Christchurch.

The minibus will be used to transport intermediate and high school rowers to training and events.  When it is not being used for thisd it will be on offer to Sport Canterbusry to transport children from the eastern Sector of Christchurch to recreational events.


Article from the August District 9970 Newsletter, www.9970.rotarysouthpacific.org and www.9930.rotarysouthpacific.org

Snow Quaked in Christchurch

St Mary’s Church where the latest damage was on 13^th June
when the north wall section ‘blew’ out

As if continued quakes and aftershocks although lessening, are not enough Christchurch City was on the 25^th July blanketed with a covering of 10 -15cm of snow with more on the Port Hills.

At least it is different to be shovelling snow from the liquefaction which has now occurred to varying degrees on the four major earthquakes of 4^th Sept, 26^th Dec, 22^nd Feb and 13^th June.

However many people in the eastern parts of the city where there is no sewer service continue to trudge out to ‘Portaloos’. Approximately 50 houses were without power supply during the day but hopefully is now restored.

Please continue to support the Rotary recovery project in Christchurch - http://www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/ 

Shoe Boxes of Love - Showing we care

There's plenty of love in Wanganui for the residents of earthquake-stricken Christchurch, if the number of "shoe boxes of love" is an indication. Around 250 of the gift-filled shoe boxes descended on Whanganui MP Chester Borrows's Wanganui office at the weekend. Mr Borrows said "shoe boxes of love" was an initiative launched by Taupo MP Louisa Upston to show the people of Christchurch that New Zealanders cared about them. "Each shoe box contains a gift - it might be babies' clothes, little toys, handcream, fancy tea-bags, or a book." Each box is sealed but many were decorated with paper, words and ribbons. Each one is marked as suitable for a particular age.

The shoe boxes were collected by Rotary Clubs throughout the country, and they will be responsible for getting the shoe boxes to Christchurch where they will be distributed. Mr Borrows said Wanganui's "shoe boxes of love" came from all parts of the community, although Wanganui Intermediate School and Jane Winstone Retirement Village had been particularly generous. Mr Borrows said Wanganui had produced the greatest number of shoe boxes in the country. He said he had been "overwhelmed" by the response. "It really captured people's imaginations. "But Wanganui has always donated generously, no matter what the cause is. I think Wanganui people should be very proud of themselves."

Updates on this project will be at http://www.rotaryresponse-christchurcheq.blogspot.com/