A new grant to support Christchurch schoolchildren

experiencing earthquake-related challenges that impact on their health and well-being has been launched.The $9.3 million allocated for the grant will help primary and secondary school children deal with earthquake-related anxiety, stress or behavioural problems

and to assist those whose access to activities and resources has been limited by earthquake-related financial hardship.School principals and teachers in Canterbury say they have noticed an increase in anxiety among children since the earthquakes.“There’s a greater need for access to specialised counselling support. Solving problems becomes much more difficult due to the emotional and psychological state of those involved, both parents and children,” explains Canterbury Primary Principals Association representative Graeme Barber. Applications for the grant must be made by schools and used to provide resources and assistance directly to students, not operational or capital costs. It is envisioned the grant will help children access things like counselling, school camps, field trips, group activities, uniforms and life skills programmes.New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission chair Sir John Hansen says Red Cross wants to make a positive difference to the lives of these children. “We want to foster resilience, both for Parkview Primary principal Les Gray with pupils.

their own sakes and for the future of Christchurch. We’re partnering with schools to distribute this grant because they are uniquely placed to identify and respond to the challenges their students are facing, whether these be well-being or hardship related,” he says. The president of the Canterbury Secondary Principals Association, Neil

Wilkinson, says the grant offers a large number of students, still affected by the

impact of the earthquakes, a wide range of options.“Schools are delighted with this grant – it’s fantastic. It says to the young people of Christchurch that their needs have not been forgotten and we just hope they take advantage of this opportunity,” he says.The grant aligns with New Zealand Red Cross’ messages for Cantabrians last month on the second anniversary, encouraging the people of Christchurch to make their personal happiness and that of their family and friends a priority.

Christchurch schoolchildren’s grant

“Schools are delighted with this grant – it’s fantastic.”

MORE INFO ATwww.redcross.org.nz/what-we-do

Issue 2 2013

What a busy few months it has been, with some very notable achievements already this year, including the much needed and appreciated Christchurch Schoolchildren’s Grant. The first school to take up the grant was Sacred Heart – a decile 3 school in Addington. The school used the money to bring in a music teacher to help the children prepare for a multi-cultural festival, and to send some kids on a three-day school camp. It was great to hear that these activities went some way towards helping the children relax after a stressful two years post the February 22 earthquake. I’d like to congratulate two of our hard working volunteers – Craig Titheridge of Christchurch has received an Earthquake Award, and Evelyn Norvill from Cambridge a Distinguished Service Award for her 65 years’ service.Finally I would like to acknowledge the hard work over the last six years of our chief executive John Ware, whose last day will be April 26. John volunteered for many years before becoming CEO, including in the position of National Treasurer. We wish him well. Andrew McKie will fill in for John until we can recruit a new Secretary General, and I’m anticipating business as usual.

Jenny McMahon National President

Message from Jenny

National Disaster Response Team (NDRT) member Craig Titheridge has been awarded a Christchurch Earthquake Award for service to the community.Craig was working in central Christchurch when the 22 February earthquake struck. He and his co-workers were among the first to reach the crushed buses on Colombo Street.Craig helped pull three people out, only one of whom survived, before heading through the city freeing people from buildings.In the following days, Craig borrowed a four-wheel-drive to distribute food and water, at times welcoming complete strangers into his home.The experience inspired him to join Red Cross and soon after he passed rigorous trials to become part of NDRT.“I’m absolutely stoked and honoured to receive the award. Thank you,” says Craig.

Craig’s Christchurch Earthquake Award

New Zealand Red Cross Link Newsletter

Tim Finn is seeing redThe annual appeal is just around the corner and our new competition, with the support of Tim Finn, is helping school children across the country ‘see red’.Tim Finn is backing the Red Cross annual appeal for schools by offering his services as a judge and special guest to schools across New Zealand. The competition asks schools to create their own music video to Split Enz’s ‘I See Red’. The entries will be judged by Tim Finn who will then head to the winning school for a special performance of that school’s rendition.Although singing and dancing isn’t for everyone there are plenty of other ways to help your area ‘see red’. If you haven’t signed up for the annual appeal already, check in with your local service centre to see how you can help.The appeal week is May 6 – 12.

New Zealand Red Cross’ new websiteMany of you have already had a look around our brand new responsive website. Launched in mid-January, the intention of the new website was to be a user-friendly, seamless and professional platform for donors, first aid clients, members, volunteers, staff and the general public. The result was exactly that and more.The best thing about it? It’s only phase one; phase two will increase functionality, making the interactive systems even better.

CHECK OUT THE NEW SITE ATwww.redcross.org.nz

Sandi ChampaneriVolunteer Programme Team Leader/Trainer for Greater Wellington

How long have you been with Red Cross?Fourteen years with Refugee Services, part of Red Cross since December.

What do you do?I support the Greater Wellington volunteer supervisors, advise on regional volunteer issues and run the volunteer training courses for the Refugee Services programme in Greater Wellington.

What’s your favourite part of your job?I love meeting and training the volunteers and hearing about their experiences and the impact it has had on their lives. It’s not unusual for volunteers to form life-long bonds with their ‘new friends’. You really can have a cultural experience without leaving the country!

What drew you to Refugee Services?After working for government for about 15 years, I realised how awesome it would be to fully utilise my skills and really help people. I started with a temporary project and soon got offered a position.

Biggest indulgence?I’ve just discovered 85 per cent dark chocolate. I’m investigating guitar lessons (after selling my drum kit), and I enjoy zumba classes and good movies.

On 22 February, a group of 160 former refugees from Colombia, Myanmar, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ethiopia completed their six-week orientation at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre and made their way to new homes around the country.The latest intake was not only the largest since before the September 2010 Canterbury earthquake, it was also the first intake since the merging of New Zealand Red Cross and Refugee Services Aotearoa. New Zealand Red Cross Refugee Services staff and volunteers around New Zealand joined members of local communities to welcome new families and individuals into

New Zealand Red Cross Refugee Services staff welcome their first intake

Auckland, Hamilton, Manawatu, greater Wellington and Nelson.New Zealand Red Cross chief executive John Ware welcomed new arrivals at Wellington airport. He describes the day as a very rewarding experience.“There was a real buzz of activity with staff, members of refugee communities, caseworkers and, most importantly, the volunteers who will be helping the families settle in New Zealand,” he says.To learn more about the intake and the programme that former refugees undertake, follow the below link to our website.

Issue 2/2013 | www.redcross.org.nz

VISIThttp://bit.ly/YswwME

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Who Am I

One of our new families. Photo: Neil Mackenzie.

21,291Total number of visits

to the website in February

60%were visiting the website for

the first time

3:55Time people spent on the

site on average

3 most popular pagesFirst Aid – www.redcross.org.nz/first-aid/courses/Canterbury – www.redcross.org.nz/canterbury/

What We Do – www.redcross.org.nz/what-we-do/

first aid course bookings made online

795

National OfficePO Box 12-140, Wellington 69 Molesworth Street, Thorndon WellingtonPhone: 04 471 8250 Fax: 04 471 8251 Email: national@redcross.org.nz www.redcross.org.nz

Where in the world are our aid workers?Taking off:Barbara Turnbull – North Korea as a hospital project managerRebecca Barrell – South Sudan as a hospital project managerDeployed in response to Cyclone Evan:Samoa – Douglas Clark, Colleen Ruru, Anne Maree Delaney, Chris Harrison, Graeme Langford, Dean MandersonFiji – Matthew Poole, Greg Johns

WaikatoEvelyn Norvill has been awarded a New Zealand Red Cross Distinguished Service Award for her long and valuable contribution.Since joining the Cambridge branch in 1948, Evelyn has received an Honorary Life Membership, been president for 10 years, convenor of the sewing group, meals-on-wheels driver and a volunteer tutor. National membership services manager Peter Scott was there when Evelyn was presented with her award by national president Jenny McMahon, describing it as inspirational.“At 101 and regularly attending branch meetings, Evelyn embodies the long and dedicated service that Red Cross members exhibit across the country.”

The Little Akaloa Chorlton Branch turned 60 and had a fundraising BBQ at Ginnie Mayo’s (one of our members) garden to celebrate raising $2,000. Canterbury and West Coast area manager Carol Ball sent through this picture of the branch members around a fantastic Red Cross cake made by Carole Francis-Miller.

New Zealand Red Cross volunteers were on hand at the annual 1931 earthquake survivors’ afternoon tea to help with registration. The event is an opportunity for people who survived the 1931 earthquake to share their memories and catch up with old friends. The name tags may also have brought back some memories as they were replicas of the ones used for the

evacuees in 1931.Karla Sewter, Red Cross programmes coordinator, describes it as a great event where New Zealand Red Cross volunteers dress up and some of the survivors wear art deco to celebrate their area.

Professor Margaret Tennant was a guest speaker at the Otago area council forum. As she is currently writing a history on New Zealand Red Cross, Otago had the chance to showcase some historical memorabilia.The service centre’s ‘Old Shop’ was transformed with displays of historical items such as old Red Cross nurses’ uniforms, badges, photo albums and more. Area manager Karen Clements mentioned a minute book from 1915 was a great find and offered some very interesting reading.

Canterbury

Hawkes Bay

Otago

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Social Media

Comments“amazing people and organisation!”

“you guys rock...warm appreciation and thanks for all you give our city”

“thanks volunteers”

Facebook: New Zealand Red CrossOn the 2nd anniversary of the Christchurch earthquake our thoughts are with the people of Canterbury, including our members, volunteers and staff who work tirelessly to support others despite being affected themselves.

What was popular in February 2013

Twitter: New Zealand Red CrossCongratulations to Craig Titheridge, one of our amazing response volunteers, on his #chch Earthquake Award. very well deserved!

Aid Worker

VIEW CURRENT AID WORKERS ATwww.redcross.org.nz/what-we-do

New Zealand Red Cross national president Jenny McMahon presents Evelyn with her Distinguished Service Award.

A collection of memorabilia. Photo: Mike McQueen

Branch members gather around their cake prepared by branch member Carole Francis-Miller

New Zealand Red Cross volunteers register attendees.

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