Helping Christchurch

Everyone wants to help Christchurch right at the moment. And yesterday, the Government harnessed the power of social media and took its Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to the world. Check this out:

On 22 February 2011, Christchurch and the surrounding area were struck by an earthquake that caused severe damage and tragic casualties.

The New Zealand Government has launched an appeal to help the people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region during this time of great need. You can help make a difference by donating to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal.

The donations will be used to help the communities, families and people of Christchurch and the Canterbury region.

You can make an immediate donation to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal from your credit card by providing your details, the amount you wish to donate, and clicking Donate Now.

When you click Donate Now you will be taken through to a secure payment page. After payment, you will be issued a donation receipt containing your details. If you enter your email address, a tax receipt will be automatically sent to you.

In addition, John Key has made a video appeal to the world:

There are plenty of options as to how to donate; credit card, internet banking, text message, or directly at any Westpac branch. If you click on the banner at the top of this page, there's more information. We will certainly be supporting both this appeal, as well as a couple of causes which are much more personal to us.

We've reflected over the weekend on just how fortunate we are, and how crap life is for a number of other people just at the moment. Digging deep is the least that we can do; we hope that you might feel likewise.