Lions International Foundation chairman visits stricken Christchurch

The chairman of Lions Clubs International Foundation, Eberhard Wirfs, is in Christchurch today and tomorrow to view the devastation first-hand and has called on Lions Club members around the world to contribute to the earthquake recovery fund.

Mr Wirfs expects his global appeal will raise more than a million dollars from Lions Club members in more than 200 countries. The Lions Clubs International Foundation has already committed $US110,000 and this is expected to substantially increase following an email Mr Wirfs sent out last week, which has already resulted in more than 400 pledges of financial support.

"There has been tremendous support for New Zealand with responses coming from all parts of the globe," Mr Wirfs said. "We believe this is just the beginning of a substantial Lions campaign of support to help the people of New Zealand through the recovery period."

Mr Wirfs and his wife Margit are in New Zealand from Germany and have been redirected to Christchurch to take in the earthquake damage and give first-hand accounts of the carnage as part of his Lions Clubs International Foundation appeal.

Mr Wirfs will visit the Red Cross and meet with the local Lions, who are out in the suburbs door knocking with Red Cross volunteers to make sure residents are OK and offering help and comfort where it is required.

The Canterbury Lions have given $98,800 in cash for people to get away for weekends, or buy petrol and groceries. Lions from further afield have been bringing fresh water by the tanker and providing meals to the worst affected areas. They have sourced and distributed 500 chemical toilets.

In 2009 Lions Clubs International signed a global alliance with Red Cross, which included offering assistance with disaster relief volunteers if needed and this has been activated from Lions headquarters in Chicago for the Canterbury region.

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