02 March 2011Media Statement
Support for devastated ethnic communities in Christchurch must continue
Labour’s Ethnic Affairs associate spokesperson Dr Ashraf Choudhary is urging ethnic communities throughout the country to continue supporting those living in the devastated Canterbury region who need assistance.
Dr Choudhary visited several of the worst hit suburbs of Christchurch earlier this week. He says the Sikh Temple and community centre in Sydenham has been destroyed and the Indian community Hall in Phillips town and Hare Krishna Temple in Richmond have suffered significant damage.
“The Sikh community has appealed for help to have access to temporary buildings for community gatherings and for long-term help to rebuild these centres,” said Dr Choudhary.
The MP also met with members of the Christchurch Indian Association who said a significant number of its businesses and homes were in ruins after the quake.
“The Muslim leaders of Pakistani and Somalian community have been providing significant contribution in terms of hosting and feeding large numbers of displaced families at the local Mosque in Deans Ave, opposite Hagley Park. Many were also contributing to cleaning up the liquefaction in the area,” he said.
Dr Choudhary commends the Auckland based radio station, Radio Apna 990, for collecting over a hundred thousand dollars in a recent Radiothon for Christchurch.
“The Muslim community in Auckland is also hosting a number of displaced people from Christchurch,” he said.
“The support for members of ethnic communities caught up in this tragedy has been tremendous so far. We thank everyone for their efforts. It’s important that the assistance continues as the region begins the long process of rebuilding.”
Contact: Ashraf Choudhary 021 799 573
Alamgir Afridi
Ethnic Coordinator / Issues Assistant
Dr. Ashraf Choudhary QSO
Member of Parliament
Ph: (09) 265 0983
Mobile: 027 511 0346
Fax: (09) 265 0984
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