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Richie McCaw - Source: Photosport
Four of Canterbury's All Blacks, including captain Richie McCaw, have been enlisted to help people find out what they need to know about services dealing with the Canterbury quake.
The All Blacks and other high-profile Cantabrians are providing messages of support and advice about where to go for help to people affected by the earthquake.
McCaw, Brad Thorn, Kieran Read and Corey Flynn, who are all in Sydney preparing for New Zealand's Tri-Nations test against Australia on Saturday, have agreed to Health Minister Tony Ryall's request to help out with an advertising campaign, the Minister in charge of the earthquake recovery, Gerry Brownlee, told media today.
They will be used to tell people who are suffering from trauma in the aftermath of the earthquake, about the main phone number they can call for help, and who is there to help them.
"No one should be in any way reticent in coming forward," Brownlee said. "This has been a very fearful experience for a lot of people and I think all of us have been stopped in our tracks one way or another."
The six-week campaign is being funded by the Ministry of Health.
Health Minister Ryall says it's great some of New Zealand's sporting heroes are supporting quake victims through this tough time.
"The public messages focus on dealing with stress and
anxiety, and how to help family and neighbours. They refer people
to the Government help line, website or their GP," he
said.
The Government's earthquake helpline is 0800 779 997, and
staff can connect quake-affected residents with the appropriate
support.
