Hundreds chip in for memorial

http://www.starcanterbury.co.nz/news/hundreds-chip-in-for-memorial/1293869/ Caroline King

Monday, March 5, 2012
 
All Blacks' captain Richie McCaw and paralympic swimmer Sophie Pascoe were among those to get their hands dirty to create a quake memorial in Rothesay Reserve, Parklands.
The planting day was part of Westpac's "Big Chip In for Christchurch", which was launched last year following the earthquakes to ensure quake-hit Cantabrians were at the forefront of people's thoughts around the country.
Around 200 Westpac staff and their families also worked alongside the sports stars last Saturday to create the special memorial area, planting more than 4000 native plants to honour the resilience of Cantabrians following the devastating quakes.
McCaw said: "It's been a tough year for everyone and it's good to look forward, and in a practical way be a part of the rebuild."

"It's great that Westpac, Rotary and so many other groups from our community joined together for a common cause. Everyone worked so hard and did their bit to re-establish this reserve and I'm sure people will come back to continue what has started for the future generations," he said.

Pascoe said it was good to see people united and "chipping in" for a just cause. "Family members of all ages worked alongside each other because what happened affected everyone. It was great to play a small part in the rejuvenation of the reserve," Pascoe said.
Westpac director of corporate affairs Sue Foley said the memorial would be a place for generations to come to reflect on the impact of the quakes on the city.

Ms Foley said the planting was symbolic of the new beginnings for the city.