Today. The day after yesterday.
It’s weird having power back and now (a trickle) of running water while the images we are faced with all over the news are suburbs flooded and houses destroyed, buildings collapsed and the death toll rising. I am struggling to keep the tears away at the moment. I just keep wondering ‘Why Christchurch?’ ‘Why did it have to be this beautiful little city?’ The damage is so widespread that my mind can’t even conceive of how we can rebuild this city in a thousand lifetimes. How do you replace what has been lost? The amount of volunteers chipping in for those in need makes me feel so proud to be part of this amazing city. People grab their shovels and help dig out bogged cars from liquefaction or drive others around to find their lost dog (I will never forget that act of kindness as long as I live). People can be truly amazing and kind.
In order to get my head right about blogging again, I’m going to put together a fundraiser on the blog starting next week. All giveaways will be suspended while it’s happening (but posts will continue as usual) and it will run in the background with occasional reminders of new items added. Basically you will be able to bid on cool stuff for Mums and Kids and every penny will go to Red Cross. It’s kinda like a giveaway only not free! Heh heh. If you’d rather skip the fun and donate straight to the charity, go right ahead. My feeling is that giving things to people here is great but what Christchurch really needs is money. This is going to be a long, slow process of recovery so every single cent is going to count.
So! What this means is that I might be a teensy bit distracted while I put this all together but I plan to post as usual. Most items donated will be shipped anywhere in the world so even people as far away as Sweden or Bulgaria who want to help out can (and get something cool into the bargain). Stay tuned next week and have a look for some of your spare pennies in the couch. Anything you can muster up will make a difference.
To any stores wanting to donate, I have created this page with all the info I need from you.
It takes a lot of time to build a city again but it can be achieved. The important thing is to heal the wounds this disaster leaves in the hearts of NZealenders. And I think you are doing a great job by putting a fundraising.
Hugs and prayers sent your way..
Stay safe..
Thank you for a little dose of normality into my inbox today. Kia Kaha to you and yours. Was that for real the shake just now was 1km under the surface?
Thinking of you xxxx Let me know as soon as fundraiser info is up and I’ll put a massive post up on Bondville about it xxxx
Maddie I think can safely say that the entire kid blogging community is inspired by your strength of character and your commitment to helping your fellow Christchurchians get their lives back on track.
x Wendy.
Terrible what happened to all people in your town! What a frightening situation you are in. Overhere in the Netherlands we can see the pictures of destruction on the news, but after I have read your blog and the story on stuff.co.nz it really bumbed in. So glad for you that you and your family are OK. How wonderfull that you want to start a fundraiser! We’ll stay tuned.
You all stay safe.
a dear friend of mine from here in los angeles just happened to be in christchurch to play a large festival and we were waiting to hear news from him for hours. so happy you found coco! please keep the news coming!! praying for the safety of everyone there!