9 Apr 2020

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Going to the supermarket has become a time-consuming chore for most people but for a group of dedicated Civil Defence volunteers it’s a way they can help out those in need.

The volunteers are Civil Defence Response Team members and they’ve been hard at work providing welfare assistance to those in the community who are struggling to access essential supplies during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Often that has involved making trips to the supermarket to pick up groceries for vulnerable people who cannot leave their homes.

“So far they have done more than 200 deliveries of food and other essential supplies to people in need,’’ says Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.

The Response Team volunteers have also been helping at Christchurch Airport with the repatriation flights organised by overseas Governments to bring their foreign nationals home.

“The Response Team members are all volunteers who give their time on a weekly basis to train as a team so that in an emergency they can help their community. Like all good volunteers all they want to do is just help in a time of crisis,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

The response team members come from all walks of life. Members include architects, engineers, window cleaners, forklift drivers, shop workers, Council employees and students studying disaster management.

“They come from a very broad range of jobs but they’re united in their desire to help others,’’ the Mayor says.

Since the lockdown started, Christchurch Civil Defence Emergency Management has been working closely with the Student Volunteer Army, the Salvation Army and the Christchurch City Mission to provide support to people who are unable to shop for themselves or who need welfare assistance.

Helpline over Easter

“We were asked by Civil Defence to set up a regional helpline – 0800 24 24 11 – which people in Christchurch and Banks Peninsula can use if they need extra help during the lockdown. The helpline is hosted by Christchurch City Council and is intended to provide an option for those who are unable to get help from normal agencies or support networks,’’ Mayor Dalziel says.

With supermarkets closed tomorrow, special arrangements have been made for Good Friday deliveries, although there is a limited number of pre-made food parcels available. Friday deliveries will be made by the Response Team volunteers.

“Our Civil Defence Welfare team along with the Student Volunteer Army have developed a process for delivering groceries over the long, Easter weekend on Saturday, Sunday and Monday,’’ the Mayor says.

Same-day delivery will not be possible for urgent requests received after 2pm over the weekend.