Berks appeal for Kiwi earthquake fund

Published 23 Feb 2011 11:45 1 Comment

THE Berkshire branch of the British Red Cross launched an appeal today for the victims of the earthquake which has devastated the New Zealand city of Christchurch.

The earthquake, which struck at lunchtime on Tuesday, has killed at least 75 people and caused widespread damage to the city with the death toll and numbers of seriously injured survivors expected to rise.

The Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, has declared a state of emergency and aid is being co-ordinated by the National Crisis Management Centre. Buildings in the centre of the city have collapsed and roads and bridges are damaged.

The New Zealand Red Cross responded immediately, providing first aid assistance and distributing blankets, water containers and tents to the displaced families. An evacuation centre has been opened for around 2,000 people and more temporary accommodation is likely to be needed.

Berkshire Red Cross spokeswoman Anne Huddart said today: "All funds will go towards the New Zealand Red Cross response to the disaster, including transport and provision of goods."

Cheque donations, made payable to British Red Cross, can be sent to John Nike House, 90 Eastern Avenue, Reading RG1 5SF.

For more information on the British Red Cross please visit: http://www.redcross.org.uk

HAVE you a story to tell about the New Zealand earthquake? Have you been in touch with survivors? Contact the Chronicle news desk on 0118 955 3309 or news@readingchronicle.co.uk

Tweet

Have your say. Post a comment on this article.

• 

  Dave L
  Unregistered User
  Feb 23, 20:13
  Report comment

  I lived and worked in central Christchurch for a year about 10 years ago, it's such a wonderful and welcoming city and a place I've always considered my second home. It's very upsetting to see the scenes of the past 48 hours, recognising a number of the buildings that have been shown on TV that I used to pass everyday, and thinking of the pain all the residents must be feeling right now.
  
  I'm still in contact with a number of friends over there, luckily all of them and their families have been unharmed, although the same can't be said for their homes and places of work. Sadly not the same story for everyone.
  
  Kiwi's always have a very strong resolve, and I'm sure in time Christchurch will bounce back.
  
  Kia kaha
  
  Recommend?   Yes 0     No 0

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle