#1750 Help the Christchurch quake victims

Photo: NZ Herald

At 12:51pm this afternoon in my hometown of Christchurch, an earthquake struck measuring 6.3 on the Richter Scale. Whole parts of the city were destroyed. The CBD looks like a war zone: Buildings are demolished, cars crushed by falling debris and the death toll is currently at 65 and rising. My Mum was in Diamond Harbour (across the bay from Lyttelton) when it hit, and she happened to be talking to my sister on the phone. As soon as she felt the quake, she screamed out to my sister, who ran for cover under a table with her baby. I'm thankful to say that my family were all unharmed, but I can't say the same for my friends. Jaime Gilbert, a Baha'i guy I grew up with, was killed in the first shock – he was only 22 years old. Sam Gibbs, who I worked with at the Christchurch Mexican Cafe back in 2005, was lost in the CTV building. I can't imagine how many people will be affected by this. It's a surreal feeling to be watching the footage from so far away. I have no words. Donations can be made by clicking the links below. Every little bit counts.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE RED CROSS.

CLICK HERE TO DONATE TO THE SALVATION ARMY.

Donations can be made at ANZ branches or online to 01-1839-0188939-00, and at National Bank branches or online to 06-0869-0548507-00.