Victims gifted slice of donations
Sheikh Hasan Rubel is grateful to receive a ‘‘gift’’ of at least $25,000 from a fund set up for victims of the Christchurch mosque attacks.
The now father of two was shot three times while worshipping at the Al Noor Masjid on March 15, and is one of 40 people wounded by bullets in the attack to receive $25,000 from the Our People, Our City fund managed by the Christchurch Foundation.
Those who lost their next of kin in the shootings will receive $70,000 by mid-December.
Former Christchurch City councillor Raf Manji led efforts to decide how the nearly $12 million fund would be distributed, with the help of the Muslim community.
One bullet damaged Rubel’s pelvis and left him needing crutches. Another bullet damaged his lower intestine.
He has needed four surgeries, including recently having his bowel repaired so that he no longer needs an external stoma.
‘‘I now have other issues like shrapnel in my jaw. I’m doing good, but I think it will take some more time to repair.’’
On top of the $25,000 for bullet wounds, he will likely be eligible for medical support funding from the Christchurch Foundation.
Rubel said he felt the funds were being distributed fairly, as his situation could not be compared to those who lost loved ones.
‘‘Money will never bring their family member back. I know lots of people will be not happy. You can’t make everybody happy.’’
The money was a gift and he would be ‘‘really happy’’ with whatever he received, he said.
His daughters, 2-year-old Arveen and 11-week-old Mahreen, would have their tertiary education supported through the Christchurch Foundation’s Education Fund.
‘‘For people like us, we’re always really thoughtful about our kids’ education.’’
Sazada Akhter can no longer walk after being shot in the chest and abdomen at the Al Noor Masjid.
She and husband Mohammed Mashud have now bought a house with the help of ASB and the Our People, Our City fund. Finding a wheelchair-accessible home had been a challenge.
Manji said the foundation supported the couple’s house hunt early on, and he was at the auction when they secured a home. They will move in before Christmas, once ACC has made adjustments.
‘‘It’s been a good demonstration of a sensible thing to do with the payouts, which is to put it into a home,’’ Manji said.
Two or three other families were also looking at homes. In a statement sent to families last night, the Christchurch Foundation said: ‘‘It is important to understand that these funds are not compensation, reparation or restitution. They are a gift that represents love and support.’’
Manji said he had 160 meetings with members of the Muslim community over the past few months and received professional advice about funds distribution in relation to the 2017 Manchester Arena bombing, the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, and the 2018 Toronto van attack.
The funding would help victims plan for the future.