Christchurch Earthquake Aid Update

As aftershocks continue to shake the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, Salvation Army personnel continue to provide aid to those affected.
• Salvation Army Welfare Centres report that there is an increasing demand for food. The Army has provided more than 2,850 meals.
• Salvation Army Psychosocial Support Teams that include 90 Salvation Army personnel are operating in the Eastern Suburbs. They provide emotional support to residents and identify any material needs or more complex issues such as people suffering anxiety and stress, those who have run out of their medication, those who need assistance to get to the doctor and the elderly living in isolation.
• The CCC Health and Safety Officers have asked for The Salvation Army’s assistance to support contractors who are removing rubble and pulling down damaged buildings.
• Work is being done to find a larger distribution centre and office space for several Salvation Army functions.
• There are several Salvation Army Corps/churches in the South Island, particularly in Nelson providing meet and greet and support to families who have left Christchurch.