Sending out hugs to Christchurch-based Kiwis

[Pip]

So glad to hear you and your partner are ok NZKiwigirl! I was especially worried about him, so am glad to know he had the day off. I found out yesterday that a friend I'd thought was in Christchurch when the quake hit was actually in the Abel Tasman national park without cell phone reception. It was a big relief when she was finally able to call to let everyone know she was ok. My manager is down in Christchurch trying to convince her mother to come back to Wellington with her. My husband's head office in Madras St has been destroyed, along with their distribution centre, and they don't know whether a container of new stock on the port is still ok. High end home theatre equipment doesn't deal well with a lot of shaking! However although our friends and families have houses that are damaged, all are alive and more or less well. For that we are very thankful.

[Pip]

If any of you out there around the world want to help we have set up a virtual charity run for the weekend of 12 to 13 March. We're also suggesting cyclists go for a ride. We're gaining momentum and donations are coming in from all around the world. All donations go to the Red Cross fund. Our blog is here:

http://run4chch.wordpress.com/

We're also on Twitter - @run4chch and #run4chch

Thanks!
Pip