Having recently returned from the islands, I had wanted to take a quick moment of your time to post a story about Christchurch. In a nation that worships rugby, Christchurch is definitely an important chamber of the beating heart of New Zealand rugby. It was also a vital and key cog in the county's plan to host the Rugby World Cup in 2011. Besides the pool matches, the Canterbury Stadium, normally the home grounds of the Canterbury Rugby Union, was set to host some of the knockout round matches as well.

Needless to say, it was an exciting time, with hopes of an economic boom, buzzing with tourists, and the red and black pride of Canterbury rugby on display. Then tragedy struck. In a world filled with 30 second sound bites, and the length of public despair and attention limited to the next tragedy, many people around the globe have forgotten what happened to this once beautiful city.

On February 22, 2011, a massive earthquake struck the city, in which nearly 200 people died. The iconic cathedral in the center of town was virtually destroyed, and in fact the entire downtown has been marked as a 'red' or danger zone. This makes large sections of the downtown area uninhabitable. Although not directly struck, the stadium slated to host the World Cup games was severely damaged by 'ground liquification '. Having personally toured the city in 2005, I found this destruction and loss of life heartbreaking.

Since that fateful day, there have been numerous aftershocks, some physical (additional earthquakes and damage) and some emotional (loss of homes and livelihoods). To add insult to injury, all the World Cup games were relocated to other stadiums throughout the country. Christchurch was left on the outside looking in at the world's greatest celebration of rugby.

The people are nothing but stoic and tough. They have picked themselves up, with a great deal of help from the NZ people and government, as well as international help, primarily from Australia. They don't want anybody to feel sorry for them, and in this day in age that should be commended.

The IRB (International Rugby Board) and the World Cup Committee have setup a website to garner donations to help get the people of Christchurch, and rugby in the region back on it's feet. If you can spare the donation please visit the RWC Christchurch Appeal website. 100% of your donation will go directly to the charity.