Lending a hand: South Canterbury community gets behind North Island communities devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle

As Kristiana Soroka watched news coverage of the devastation left in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle in the North Island this week, she felt helpless.

“I thought ‘I just can’t sit there watching it and do nothing knowing I can do and am able to do something to help’,’’ she said.

The Winchester dairy farmer, who has family in the North Island, has organised a collection of donations to support flood victims, and will freight it to the North Island. She has also set up a bank account for monetary donations.

And Soroka is not alone with schools, businesses, and councils throughout South Canterbury getting behind the efforts to support those in the North Island affected by the devastation.

She has several schools on board as well, with Hinds School, Opihi College, Winchester Rural School holding non-uniform days in coming weeks to raise money.

A social media post a couple of days ago with a poster explaining her donation plan has already attracted a lot of support, she said.

“Let’s get our community together to support those who need us most,’’ she said.

Anyone wishing to help is asked to contact Soroka on [[email protected]](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection).

Items can be dropped off to 179 Scott Rd, Winchester, 1 Levens Lane, Temuka, or Richard’s Secondhand Shop, 2 Richard St, Winchester.

For the Opihi College non-uniform day, on Wednesday, students have been asked to bring either money, or non-perishable items to be donated including food, blankets, sheets, clothing, and toys.

All items must be in a good condition, and will be given to Soroka’s collection.