Chur chur t shirts – for Christchurch

New Zealand Surf Tours and Coastlines are keen to give a hand to the communities of Christchurch in the wake of February’s terrible earthquake.  So, we have decided to launch our “Chur for Christchurch” fundraising project.
Having survived through the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake and tsunami that struck on Boxing Day in 2004 (I was living in Thailand at the time), I know all too well what a terrifying, devastating experience such a natural disaster can be.  In spite of that, going through the recovery process turned out to be one of the most inspiring and empowering times of my life.  I was helped by so many people in the aftermath of that disaster, and I would not be where I am today without their help.  I would like to use my experience, and honour those who helped me by helping others who are in need.

The money raised from this project will not be donated to one of the big charities; instead, I am planning to focus on mid- to long-term recovery through hands-on support.  I am currently in my final year studying in the Bachelor of Social Work program at Massey University in Auckland, and I, along with others from the Massey School of Social Work team, will be researching situations in Christchurch to best determine what is needed and by whom.

To kick off the “Chur for Christchurch” fundraising, we are selling t-shirts on our website ($20 each at http://chur4chch.co.nz/.  100% of all profits from sales of these shirts will be going to the local communities in Christchurch.  We will also be setting up a webpage so that we can update you on exactly where and how the money is being used.