Nine months on from the devastating February 22 Christchurch earthquake more than three hundred members from the Avonside and Cashmere wards (congregations) of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints came together on Saturday evening to share a meal and celebrate their friendship.
For five weeks twenty families from the Avonside Ward were delivered meals once a week as a gesture of support from other members of The Church of Jesus Christ living in Christchurch. The opportunity to "adopt" a family was planned by the Cashmere Ward of the Church. The dinner held on Saturday night celebrated their friendship and the support that had been provided.
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Bishop Jared Riwai-Couch of the Cashmere Ward said the opportunity to provide service allowed people to show compassionate service to others and gain a better appreciation of what it was like for families living in the eastern suburbs.
While everyone in Christchurch has suffered in different ways, the plight was particularly severe for eastern families. Many have lost their homes, went several months without water and sewerage, and some are still waiting to find out whether their homes can be rebuilt.
Bishop Riwai-Couch said the opportunity to help others was a good way to unify people and lift their spirits.