Friday 25 February 2011

Charity begins at home

It has been a truly devastating week for New Zealand in the wake of Tuesday's devastating earthquake in Christchurch. We are safe and well in Wellington, which is strangely ironic as we have long held the uncontested title of Earthquake Capital and have been expecting 'the big one' for at least as long as I have been alive. Going about our everyday business while waiting for word from friends, family and colleagues in the midst of this tragedy just 300 km away is strangely surreal. People are asking themselves: what can I do to help?

There are various organisations collecting cash donations or accepting gifts on behalf of the public for distribution to aid and rescue centres. (Just beware of the scams floating around!) One event Wellingtonions can get involved in is The Great Sunday Bake Off, where good old-fashioned baking (along with canned food and toys) can be dropped off at central city locations on Monday morning for delivery later that day. There have been suggestions that the bake off instead becomes a big bake sale, as cash donations are the best way to ensure a co-ordinated approach from charities. I see the logic in that so will wait for the official word from bake off organisers before going ahead.


Our workplace had already planned an afternoon tea on Tuesday 1 March to celebrate Purple Cake Day. A few of us bakers are lined up to provide yummy treats for gold coin (or more) donations to support this very worthy cause which is raising money to support children in need in the wake of last year's devastating earthquake in Haiti. However, in light of this week's events, we have been thinking more and more that charity begins at home. It's sometimes hard to know who to support when there are so many in need. I think Mother Teresa said it beautifully:
"Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest to you."
Therefore, we have decided to make a nominal donation to Kenbe La Foundation for Purple Cake Day on Tuesday with the rest of our monies raised donated to New Zealand Red Cross. Charity does, indeed, begin at home.

2 comments:

Alli said...

That's an excellent idea, I think purple cake would be a great way to fundraise. It's so true that just beginning by helping one person will spread on to make a difference. We can't be overwhelmed - each piece helps complete the puzzle. I wish you all the best of luck at your workplace with fundraising! I've been thinking of all the people that were hit in this earthquake.

Kiwicakes said...

Purple cake day has recognised the Chirstchurch earthquake. Emily lived through the Haiti earthquake, so this week has been a nightmare for her, reliving the sounds & pictures. Purple ake day has changed their plan and part of the proceed from purple cake day will go to Haiti and part to Christchurch (the update is on their website).
We're having purple cake day celebrations here in Whangarei too