23 October
Offenders sentenced to community work in Christchurch will be making amends for their offending by helping out on 24 October to support the victims of the tsunami tragedy in Samoa.
Three Community work groups of up to 10 offenders will be required to sort out and box up Items such as blankets, clothing and food donated by generous Christchurch residents.
The offenders will then be required to load the goods into a shipping container which will arrive in Samoa on 7 November with the aim of reaching the more isolated villages that have suffered and have been harder for aid to reach.
Project co-ordinator Tasha Brobyn says she was thrilled to hear Corrections wanted to support the cause.
“As the goods began to pour in from all over Canterbury, I realised I needed to put the call out for help to transport and sort them into the container. This is where Community Probation & Psychological Services responded and offered the assistance of the offenders sentenced to Community Work.
“Its going to be hard work on the day so I really appreciate the extra support Corrections is providing in support of the cause.”
Community Probation & Psychological Services Community Work Service Manager Lisa Taitua says projects like this are a great way for offenders to pay reparation for their criminal offending.
“This is a great way for the offenders to unite with the community in support of such an important cause. I think they will get a real sense of satisfaction knowing their efforts will be contributing to helping those less fortunate and in desperate need of help.”
Community work sentences require offenders to do unpaid work in the community for non-profit organisations as reparation for their offending. Each year New Zealand communities benefit from almost three million hours of labour supplied through offenders serving their Community Work sentences.
For further information contact the Communications Services Desk:
Phone: (04) 460 3365
Email: commdesk@corrections.govt.nz