Call for Kiwis to chip-in for Christchurch

Published: 7:56PM Monday July 04, 2011 Source: ONE News

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A "big chip-in for Christchurch" has been announced for mid-July.

Kiwis around the country are being encouraged to do whatever they can to help the quake-ravaged city on July 15.

The news came on the day it was revealed that the Earthquake Commission has now paid out more than $1 billion for damaged residential properties in Canterbury since the September earthquake.

The EQC has received 370,000 claims for 13 separate quakes since then, including 22,000 for the aftershock on June 13.

Canterbury TV staff have been filming an advertisement to promote the national day for Christchurch.

Their building crumbled in the February quake with the loss of more than 100 lives.

Rob Cope-Williams of CTV told ONE News little things mean a lot.

"It's extremely humbling to know how many people are actually there for us," he said.
 
"People who haven't walked in our shoes are there for us and that means a lot."

All Black Ali Williams said: "We haven't forgotten about you [Christchurch] and we know there's a future there."

Radio DJ Jay-Jay Feeney is another keen starter for the Big Chip-in for Christchurch.

"I'll be thinking of my favourite people in Christchurch - Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Sonny Bill Williams, Jason Gunn - oh!"

Organiser of the Big Chip-In for Christchurch, Sue Foley, said they are telling the whole country everybody can do their bit "even if it is just wearing a red and black scarf or doing something really simple".

The organisers say they want to encourage people to do something for the people of Christchurch such as call a friend, family member or workmate there, buy a Christchurch made product, send food, clothing or toys to the Salvation Army or send someone flowers.

They say the rationale is that the small contributions of individuals from around the country can make a collective difference to those in Christchurch.

Staff at Forsyth Barr are in a new office now after they were trapped 14 floors up on the day of the February 22 quake.

Shane Edmond of Forsyth Barr said the small things make a massive difference to the staff.

"All the little things that put a smile on their face at the moment, they're all worthwhile. Even the staunchest of Cantabrians won't say no to a good hug or cuddle at the moment."

Prime Minister John Key has already decided how he'll chip-in for Christchurch.

"I'm going to wear a red and black tie which as you'll appreciate for me is unusual," he told TV ONE's Breakfast.

The Big Chip-in for Christchurch has its own Facebook page where video messages of support from prominent New Zealanders will be featured.

The public are being encouraged to upload their own videos of support or create a wall of support messages and the organisers say they are hoping to be able to provide an avenue for New Zealanders to buy products from Christchurch businesses on the day.

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