Published on 22nd of February, 2021
Ten years ago today, February 22, 2021, the Canterbury earthquakes changed the face of our city.
We remember the 185 people who lost their lives and their loved ones who carry the pain today. We also remember those who were injured and who carry the physical, mental and emotional scars; those who lost businesses, homes, a cityscape that was familiar to them, as well as their sense of security. And we remember the way in which neighbourhoods and communities helped one another and the organisations that supported them in the days, weeks and months afterwards.
“We recognise that terrible day but we are encouraged by the stories of people who acted bravely and with dedication in the days, weeks and months following the earthquakes,” CMM Executive Director Jill Hawkey says. “Today may be hard for people but we encourage people to take solace in friends, neighbours, whānau and religious communities.”
In the wake of the earthquakes, CMM acted decisively and quickly, with the response of staff being nothing short of amazing. WesleyCare staff whose homes were in terrible conditions came in whether they were on duty or not to look after residents. Other staff worked out of their cars while the Mission was without a base. We thank all of the past and present CMM members for the compassion and commitment to others that they showed on that day and in the weeks and months after.
