21 September
Prison staff in the upper North Island have rallied in support of their colleagues in Christchurch and the wider Canterbury community, sending food, bedding, clothes and money south for those unable to return home after the earthquake.
Staff from Auckland Prison and Northland Region Corrections Facility packaged 12 cartons of donated goods to be sent to the Salvation Army in Christchurch, who are working with Christchurch City Council welfare staff.
At Mt Eden and Auckland Central Remand Prisons staff organised a raffle, with over 500 tickets being sold, raising over $1000 with proceeds being deposited into the Mayoral Relief Fund.
“Our staff work as a nationwide team, and they really felt for their colleagues in Christchurch as well as the wider community effected by the quake. Many of our officers have friends and family in Christchurch who suffered damage to their homes and some knew people who were unable to return to their homes and were living in less than ideal conditions,” says Acting Assistant Regional Manager Chris Burns.
“Donating practical items and having a raffle was something small that we could do to help. Other staff from around the country have offered their baches, caravans and even spare bedrooms in their homes for staff in Christchurch to make use of if they need a break.
“Our efforts are only a tiny part of the relief work that is being undertaken in Christchurch. Wherever we can provide assistance we will look to help out. At the end of the day, that earthquake could have struck anywhere and all of us would be grateful for any support on offer.”
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