Salvation Army Earthquake Response: Update

The Salvation Army in New Zealand is focusing on providing food and psychosocial support to people affected by the earthquake that devastated the Canterbury region on February 22.

Salvation Army reinforcement personnel are boosting the psychosocial team that was already established as part of the ongoing recovery work from the September 2010 earthquake. The Salvation Army has been asked: to provide up to 40 staff to accompany assessment teams that will travel through affected areas; and to assess social and welfare needs.

The Salvation Army’s earthquake response team is working out of a temporary location at Sydenham Corps (church) because its buildings in Christchurch sustained significant damage. Salvation Army IT staff are on site, setting up computer and phone networks.

Salvation Army church members in Christchurch are taking part in the feeding program.
Reports suggest that the situation in Christchurch remains chaotic.

More news is emerging about an international track meet to raise funds for the earthquake response. The event – held in place of a meet that should have taken place in Christchurch – will take place at Wellington’s Newtown Park on Saturday, February 26.
Spectator entry to the track meet is free. However, The Salvation Army will collect donations for the Christchurch relief effort.