How to help when you feel helpless
OPINION: It’s natural to feel helpless in the face of natural disaster when you weren’t impacted by it.
I am fortunate to live in a part of Aotearoa that wasn’t impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle. But watching the television coverage and reading survival (and not) stories of New Zealanders who are just like me really impacted me. I was devastated for the people who were suffering in the moment. And I had no idea what I could do to help.
New Zealand is one big wha¯nau. We all have friends and family sprinkled all over the motu. If we weren’t impacted by the cyclone, chances are we know someone, or someone who knows someone else, who was.
So what can we do to help when we feel helpless or are so far away from where help is needed?
If you’re able, financial donations can make a real difference. Organisations like the Red Cross distribute funds where they’re most needed, in a way that gives people what they need most. Get your own community involved by organising a fundraising activity, like a bake sale, sausage sizzle, or fun run. Some students at my son’s primary school organized a gold coin trail, with all proceeds going to the Red Cross.
If you’re unable to make a financial contribution, donating physical goods could be an option if done appropriately.
Last week my gym did a call-out for toiletries, underwear, and sanitary items to donate to our partner gym in Hastings. I recently saw a group on social media do a call-out for gumboots. It’s important to understand how these donated goods are going to be distributed at the other end before gathering them together though; in many of the affected areas there just aren’t facilities or people to sort through it all.
If you have the skills, tools, and availability, you could consider visiting an affected area and mucking in with the cleanup. Before embarking on a road trip, though, make sure your arrival will be welcome. Reach out to a volunteer organisation and find out what help they need.
In an area that’s already under a lot of strain, more people might not be the ideal solution.
If you decide that it is suitable for you to visit an affected area, be prepared to look after yourself. Food, accommodation, and access to things like hot water and internet access might already be limited; these communities don’t need strangers limiting them even more.
Cyclone Gabrielle (and other natural disasters) has a way of bringing people together in the face of adversity. If you’re able, please do what you can to help our friends and neighbours recover.
❚ To donate to the New Zealand Disaster Fund, visit www.redcross.org. nz.