News release
21 March, 2012
Quake book helps raise $70,000 for Christchurch
After the earthquakes, social problems don’t go away, they get worse.
That’s according to Libby Robins, director of the Christchurch Family Help Trust. With some philanthropic funding drying
up as donors have shifted their priorities, she says a Whitcoulls donation of more than $70,000 enables the organisation
to return to its mission of alleviating family dysfunction and other social ills.
The donation was made on the back of strong sales of the book ‘Christchurch 22.2: Beyond the Cordon’, with $10 from
every purchase going to the Trust. Family Help Trust says the donation has breathed new life into its mandate.
“In the wake of the shakes, sourcing funding has proven ever-more difficult as priorities have shifted towards
rebuilding the city and its infrastructure,” confirms Robins.
While these are essential aspects of returning the city to full functionality, Robins notes the stress of the big quakes
and thousands of smaller ones has had a marked effect on society in general.
“That effect is all the more pronounced in at-risk families. People are on edge, nerves are frayed and outbursts of
antisocial behaviour are unfortunately more prevalent.”
Explaining that the organisation seeks to confront the causes of family dysfunction while providing high-risk families
with skills to improve their lives, Robins says casework has become more complex and time consuming following the
earthquakes.
“At the same time, funding has dwindled. Thanks to the support from Whitcoulls, we are able to return to executing our
programmes without the constant worry about our own sustainability.”
Whitcoulls marketing manager Maggie Butler says sales of ‘Christchurch 22.2’ have exceeded expectations. “The ability to
give such a substantial donation in support of the Family Help Trust is thanks to the New Zealand reading public who
have seen value in this high-quality publication.”
More than that, she points out that Whitcoulls is aware of the social impacts of a series of events which cuts across
every aspect of society.
“We recognise the people of Christchurch need ongoing support. Their lives have been turned upside down by the quakes
and we are very happy the donation from Whitcoulls will assist in this effort.”
Ends