Quake Update

The death toll from last tuesdays quake has now reached 148, with more bodies expected as the USAR teams pull more from the ruins. As of today Police have released the names of 6 of the confirmed dead quake victims. And today the youngest of them was laid to rest; 5 month old Baxter Gowland. More than 200 family members and friends gathered at Academy Funeral Services in uppar Riccarton this afternoon to celebrate Baxter's short life. But due to the earthquake only 15 people would be allowed at the cemetery.He will be laid to rest beside his grandfather.




Baxter Gowland


Urban Search and Rescue are continuing to search every building in the city centre one by one. Some team members were being lifted onto the top of damaged buildings so they could search for people from the top down rather than the bottom up. A large temporary structure has been installed at the Cathedral to stabilise a wall. Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker said that the Grand Chancellor hotel remained a risk as it has been on the verge of collapse but it had stopped moving. But the Pyne Gould Corporation building has moved slightly amid a wave of aftershocks that have hit Christchurch; but despite fears of future movemnt, recovery teams continue to work at the site.

Up to 60 properties on Clifton Hill in the Christchurch suburb of Sumner, have been evacuated over concerns abouth the stability of a cliff face after a magnitude 4.1 aftershock hit just before 8am today. A geologist is assessing cracks in the cliff.

Prime Minister John Key has estimated that this quake would cost about $13 billion, on top of the $6b-$7b of the first quake. The New Zealand Red Cross has already received around $5.2 million in donations for its earthquake appeal. All of the money donated will go to the victims with the organisation absorbing administration costs.



Some more ways that you can help...

At the weekend Mr Key launched a global fund-raiser the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal. Donations can be made at http://www.christchurchearthquakeappeal.govt.nz/ .

Telecom, Vodafone and 2Degrees mobile customers can text chch to 933 to make an automatic $3 donation, and donations can also be made through internet banking or at any branch of New Zealand's retail banks.

Two New Zealanders have organised a Christchurch Earthquake Vigil Service at Westminster Cathedral, on 2 March, 7pm, for all kiwis based in London to unite and pay respect to the people of Christchurch.
High Commissioner Derek Leask will read a message from John Key. There will be a Waiata from Ngati Ranana, London Maori Club and personal accounts and reflections will be read by Former Christchurch City Councillor, Paddy Austin.
A collection will be made and badges sold with proceeds going to the British Red Cross, New Zealand Earthquake Appeal.

Tattoo artists across New Zealand are rallying together for tattoo parlours closed in Christchurch as a result of the earthquake. On certain days all proceeds from participating parlours will go to the Tattoo Artist EQ Fund.
Tattoo artist Matti McEachen lost his life in Tuesday's quake. Money from the fund will also go to his family.
For more information see: www.inkedforchristchurch.doodlekit.com/home .

Variety - The Children's Charity says all the money raised from its Variety Bash tour will be used to help children affected by the Christchurch earthquake.
The Bash starts on Saturday March 5 and will be travelling from the Bay of Plenty to the Bay of Islands.
Variety will also be running a charity auction on TradeMe from 3-15 March and says people can 'give an hour' of their salary by donating online at www.varietynz.org.nz/christchurchearthquake .

1-day.co.nz is holding a 24-hour online garage sale from midday on Wednesday March 2, to raise money for the Canterbury Earthquake appeal.
It says there will be up to 80 per cent off products from brands including; Sony, Mooks, Billabong, Crayola, Victorinox, Speedo, Revitanail & Leatherman.

And of course there are the other ways of donating at the end of my last post. Please donate, the people of Christchurch need our help.




XO
Meg


Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.  ~William James