St Anne's Catholic school, Christchurch.

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Christchurch quake

Photo: Christchurch Catholic Education Office

Caritas has raised over a million dollars to support vulnerable people following the Christchurch earthquake of 22 February 2011. We are using this money to support programmes that help Christchurch people get back on their feet.

Some has come as direct donations for Christchurch from the public, some as a proportion of our Lent Appeal, and large contributions have also come from Caritas sister agencies overseas.

One year on from the 22 February earthquake we have published a leaflet with a prayer for Christchurch, it also summarises support given to Christchurch through Caritas over the last year. Download it here.

We have supported work by the St Vincent de Paul Society, Catholic Social Services (Christchurch), and the Rangiora Community Cares group. We are also working with the Christchurch Diocese and other agencies to identify needs for relief and longer-term rehabilitation.

Menz Shed Coordinator

Recognising that blokes tend to bottle-up their feelings and channel their grief into projects, Caritas is supporting extension of the ‘Menz Shed’ movement in Canterbury. Menz Sheds are places where men can gather to talk, share information and work on projects – in a safe, supportive and respectful environment. The Menz Shed Coordinator will extend the reach of four existing Menz Sheds in the Canterbury region and set up a further 11 Sheds in the next 12 months.
$37,695

Menz Shed set up in Kaiapoi

A Menz Shed for Kaiapoi north of Christchurch is getting underway. This area was particularly badly hit by the string of quakes from September 2010. Membership is already growing from the eight foundation members – even before a permanent base is found. The fledgling group is already lending a hand to develop further the Kaiapoi Community Gardens. Mentoring of younger people is also planned.
$25,027

Earthquake Recovery Coordinator

Christchurch man and former youth worker Matt O’Connell took up this role in November 2011. As parishes and local communities move deeper into recovery, Matt is helping parishes and Diocesan offices better identify their needs. This is enabling a better, more coordinated response. Caritas is jointly funding this three-year project with the Christchurch Diocese.
$35,612 for the first year and $26,800 per year for next two years.

Stormbirds - Emotional support for children and adolescents

Stormbirds emotional support programme has helped more than 1000 children in Canterbury and many others throughout the country come to terms with living in the aftermath of a major earthquake. It helps children and adolescents understand and manage their feelings. The Seasons for Growth network administers the programme, which has been provided through schools, Catholic Social Services, community organisations and private-practice counsellors.
$22,500

Winter warmth for Christchurch

Caritas partnered with the St Vincent de Paul Society and Christchurch clothing company WEFT to supply polypropylene clothing for people living in cold homes, unable to be repaired or provided with proper heating before last winter. About 3,000 units of polypropylene crewneck tops and pants were distributed to adults and children identified as 'at risk'.
$95,450

Earthquake Support Role for Teachers

We funded an Earthquake Liaison and Support Advisor to help principals and teachers in Catholic schools. This six month role was filled by Karen Payne, seconded from St Mary's School, Hokitika. The contract was recently completed.
$45,000.