News & Publications

4 Mar 2011

Since the quake struck a week and a half ago, Trade Aid has been inundated by emails of support promising prayers and actions of solidarity in any form this might take. We are so grateful for these, even when in reality perhaps all you can do is to send your thoughts and prayers from whichever country you are in, whatever your situation.

Particularly moving are the responses from our trading partners. Partners we choose to work with because of the struggle many face on a daily basis to acquire the lowest level needs for their producers – food, security, education… Needs we usually take for granted here in New Zealand, until we experience our own disaster and our basic needs become much harder to fulfill.

These emails of support demonstrate for us the strength of the partnerships that Trade Aid has worked to build, some over a period of 38 years. Partnerships which mean when the tables are turned we still have support from trusted, long term friends. And in times of need, we need our friends.

Thank you all for all your messages of support. Working together, we know we can continue to contribute to a just world.

Some examples of the messages we have received from around the world:


Ankur Kala (India):

We are really sad to know that about the big earthquake again in Christchurch. All our women have been praying for you in a special way for you all.

Warm regards

Annie


Undugu (Kenya):

We have received with utmost shock of the disaster that has happened in Christchurch and our prayers are with you all hoping that the entire families and partners of TAI have not been adversely affected though quite concerned with the news and pictures that are coming through!

We will keep our prayers and thoughts with you all at this moment of difficulties in Christchurch and please keep us updated on the effects to TAI whenever possible as we hear that most of the infrastructure is clogged at the moment!

With our sympathy!
Regards,
Fred Masinde


Crafts Promotion (India):

It is utterly grief to know through T.V. news that there is large scale damage Christchurch.

I am very much worried and pray to God that there would not have any lost of life or harm to Trade Aid and its staff member.

We feel ourself helpless to come and physically support in relief work at the time of this catastrophic tragedy.

We convey our heartfelt sympathy with you and with the people in Christchurch who faced this tremor and suffered.

With Kind regards
Iqbal Ahmed


PODIE (Sri Lanka):

Many thanks for your e-mail and we are relieved to hear that every one is safe and the damages to your stores are minimal.

However we are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of lives and the destructions caused by this natural disaster. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Our prayers and thoughts are with your people at this moment.

Please don’t hesitate to inform us if there is anything we can do to express our solidarity with you at this moment.

Looking forward to hear from you soon again.

Warm regards,
Tyrell.