Christchurch Earthquake Update
3 Mar 2011
Recently returned from an awesome convoy trip to Christchurch we would like to share with you our experiences. Using the word “awesome” to describe our trip only scratches the surface of a truly inspirational experience. Awesome, was the response from our staff and friends between lunchtime Thursday, when we launched our appeal, and Friday lunchtime when we began the long drive south. The generosity was overwhelming.
Awesome too was the Budget team’s response to the plight of our sixty families caught in the middle of this unimaginable disaster.
Work was very far from our minds on Thursday morning as we pondered what could be done to help out. Our National Sales Manager, Ross Morley, was passionate and chomping at the bit and the rest of us were similarly keen to make a real difference and show ‘we try harder’.
After discussing our options the idea of a food & supplies convoy was hatched. We needed trucks urgently and our Managing Director, Kathryn O’Neil, who was in Christchurch to review the damage and assist our team, gave her full support. We then called our Commercial Vehicles Manager, Grant McDonald, to see how many trucks we could “hi-jack” for our convoy and he immediately offered his time and organised two 2-tonne chillers.
To support the two trucks and provide some much needed extra capacity, Jill Wallis, our Travel Account Manager was quickly onto her sister Kaye at United Campervans and she generously donated a four-berth van for the trip south.
Within an hour our appeal was broadcast to staff, travel agents, corporate partners, and the large community of businesses in Central Park, Penrose. And that message was quickly spread virally to a larger audience. The huge response via Facebook made it clear not only Kiwis, but people all over the world were behind us all the way.
With the superb organisational skills of our sales team, aided by numerous Head Office staff all donations were neatly sorted and packed into clearly marked boxes.
Farewelled by our colleagues and a happy chorus of kiddies from the neighbouring crèche, who had donated so generously in the morning, we headed south.
Our crew for the drive south to Wellington: Paul McKenzie, Chris Destrieux, Ross Morley, Grant McDonald, Grant Hoben, and Clarke Whiteman. First stop was Hamilton, and after a few laps of the CBD (looking for Macca’s) we loaded up and pushed on to Taupo, where warm greetings were accompanied by more goodies for Christchurch.
At Taupo we split up with one full truck, driven by Grant & Grant heading straight to Wellington. The others headed to Palmerston North, where our location manager, Nigel, waited patiently for our late arrival. We then headed to the supermarket and were ably assisted by Nigel’s five-year old son, Daniel. Had we followed his shopping list, I suspect we would have been welcomed very warmly in Christchurch laden with chocolates and lollies and the random things within reach of a five year old who’d been told to ‘just fill the trolley’. Fortunately we had adult supervision on hand so our “running of the trollies” in the Palmerston North New World was somewhat tempered.
A dear lady who knew leaving seven males and a boy shopping could only end in tears took charge. She guided us to the right aisles. She removed expensive items and impractical boys’ toys. She went the extra mile by dredging from the depths of the store room the right types of wet-wipes, hand gels and nappies. When we thought she could do any more, she had a word in the manager’s ear and a discount was applied. Our shopping bill miraculously ended very close to the $2,500 which had already been donated.
Fully loaded, we made slow progress to Wellington in the face of a stiff southerly and arrived at the Kingsgate Hotel shortly after 1am. It was cold, wet, and windy, but we were all in good spirits. By this stage in the trip it was clear we represented a large number of people supporting our efforts. Text messages, Facebook updates, phone calls and the positive comments from our Budget family on the drive down really motivated us.
At dawn on day two we were greeted by Suzanne Scott, who joined us in the capital and handed out V energy drinks for breakfast. Not very filling but we were definitely awake.
The “awesomeness” of our trip continued with the response of the folks at Bluebridge, who run an amazing service on their large ferries between Wellington and Picton. Not only did they carry our two trucks and campervan for free but they also had room for another vehicle driven by Laurence Woodall from our Lower Hutt location. That van was filled to the brim with the generosity of our people in the Wellington area.
The ferry departed Wellington at 8:30am and crossing Cook Strait was fairly uneventful. It was miserable outside so a good time to catch up on sleep. As soon as we entered the Marlborough Sounds the sun came out and it was lovely. We shared our story with some of the passengers, made new friends, and met a few guys from Wellington who had done their own collection. They’d filled a bus with food and water and were heading south to help out.
We arrived in the South Island at 11am, made a quick stop at Budget Picton to say hi to everyone there and carried on our way. Next stop Kaikoura.
Driving south it was clear that many people were leaving Christchurch by road. Not much heading our way except big rigs taking supplies. We had a quick stop for lunch in Kaikoura then pulled into the petrol station for a final top up. Our friends in the bus had just arrived so we wished them well and were on our way.
It was fairly slow going along the beautiful, winding coast road and through the valleys that mark the entry to North Canterbury. The roads were eerily quiet and we drove for miles without seeing another vehicle. About 20km north of Christchurch we rendezvoused with our South Island Manager, Carole Pepperell, who had kindly offered us a place to stay for the night. The Pepperell’s (mum, Carole and her sister Susan) had also prepared a great meal for us, which was delicious and kept us quiet for a while. YUM!!!
For the final part of our journey; a 20 minute drive to our Orchard Road, Christchurch Service Centre our mood was slightly sombre in anticipation of what we might see and the travel had made us all a little weary. When we unloaded at Orchard Road, Carole expressed immense gratitude on behalf of the Christchurch team. And we in turn were truly touched by their resolve to carry on and the outstanding manner in which they continue to take care of our customers - despite huge obstacles and an absence of facilities we take for granted such as homes, water and electricity.
We also saw for ourselves how moved they were that all their colleagues, customers and friends had demonstrated care and compassion and were bringing much needed supplies that are unavailable at local shops.We know our trip was just a small part of the ongoing support we will give to our Canterbury colleagues and it was truly humbling to feel the solidarity of people throughout the country getting in behind to lend a hand. Through the efforts of many we’ve demonstrated to the folks in Christchurch how much we want to help them rebuild their lives.
We feel extremely proud to have taken this journey and to work with such caring people who get things done. Wearing our red and white tee-shirts, your efforts are recognised by everyone we touched. Thanks to all team involved. In short, you are “awesome”.
Our hearts go out to the many people who have lost loved ones in the earthquake. We are with you all the way. And together we will rebuild your beautiful city.
There are many people who need to be acknowledged and thanked.
They include:
• Custom Fleet
• Cure Kids
• Carole Pepperell and family
• Budget Auckland
• Budget Hamilton
• Budget Taupo
• Budget Palmerston North
• Budget Wellington
• Budget Picton
• Budget Christchurch
• MacDonald’s
• Bluebridge Ferries
• United Campervans
• Budget Trucks
• Heinz Watties
• Sanitarium
• Nestle
• Goodman Fielder
• Frucor
• Loyalty NZ (FlyBuys)
• DFS Galleria
• Budget Head Office Staff
• Lollipops Educare
• Gen-i
• Acquire IT
• AA Travel
• Mangere Health Centre
• Carlson Wagonlit Travel
Christchurch Earthquake Update
28 Feb 2011
Budget is now able to confirm vehicle type, however cars are not washed due to water restrictions.
Quake Road Trip Update
25 Feb 2011
At 11am this morning a convoy left Budget head office in Penrose, bound for Christchurch, collecting donations from Budget locations on the way.
Two 2 tonne trucks driven by Budget staff, were loaded with emergency supplies, kindly donated by Budget employees, Budget city and airport locations, customers and also local businesses.
Pictured below are some of the helpers before the start of the long journey. At Budget, we wish to express our sincere thanks for all the generous donations.
Watch this space for more updates!
Christchurch Earthquake Updates
23 Feb 2011
Budget Rent A Car is open at Christchurch Airport Domestic Terminal only. For existing reservations we cannot confirm vehicle type - it is transport only at this stage.
We are assisting the Emergency Services and providing vehicles to them as a priority.
Downtown Locations are closed until further notice, as they are in the cordoned off area of the central city.
If you have an existing rental and the drop-off location was Christchurch City – please return the car to our Christchurch Airport location.
If you need further assistance, please call toll free on 0800 283 438.
Thank you for your patience and understanding at this time. Further updates to follow.