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Assalamu alaykum
JazaakAllahu Khairan to all the Organisations that participated in the Christchurch Response Group (CRG). First and foremost, this initiative was highly appreciated by a number of local NZ organisations. Regardless of what support we were able to provide, the solidarity that was shown through a group like this was heartening for all in this difficult time.
While over $NZ10M has so far been raised through private donations, not including the massive NZ government support that has been pledged, the first few hours of crisis were particularly difficult times for families and community groups. In particular the first 48 hours, when government communications was not well established.
It was during this 48 hour period that the CRG was able to provide the most effective assistance. We as a group made an immediate pledge of $AU50k of emergency funding to ensure family of victims could start travelling from across the globe without fear of debt, and help meet immediate day to day needs.
The various community groups in fact returned $AU30k back to the CRG in the next couple of days, as the government funding started to flow in, however they acknowledged the initial pledge was crucial in giving them the confidence to start delivering services to their community. The remaining $AU20k along with an additional $AU8k was used directly to assist NZ victims' families. These funds were from those raised by CRG member organisations.
As well financial assistance, we as a group were able to offer a host of other services including, but not limited to:
- burial services (including specialist trauma burials)
- psychological services (including trauma counselling)
- media communication services
- government relations
As the immediate crisis period has passed and the shuhada have been buried, we will now close the CRG initiative. NZF is happy to coordinate, on behalf of the CRG, the handing over of any funds collected for the victims' families to NZ authorities charged with distributing these funds to the families. Alternatively we can put you in touch with said authorities directly.
We have also left an open offer of assistance with the local NZ organisations, in particular the need for culturally appropriate psychological and trauma counselling. If needed, we will endeavor to contact the member organisations of the CRG for services as and when required.
Finally, we are very proud of the Australian communities response to this crisis. May Allah SWT accept our deeds and intentions. Ameen.
Click here to see full list of updates since the CRG was formed.
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