We don't want your help - Christchurch businessman
Christchurch entrepreneur Ben Kepes is stirring things up again.
Over the weekend, Mr Kepes – director of a holding company that owns a four-storey building and three of the nationwide-operating businesses within it – cheerfully charged into the CBD and began DIY repairs, not waiting for council clearance.
Today, the can-do Cantabrian is telling people to put away their cheque books - his city is doing fine, or is at least already adequately provided for.
In a blog post called "Hour of Need? What Hour of Need? Canterbury is Doing Fine," the father of two said the region is already provided for by EQC's multi-billion Natural Disaster Fund, central government support, and corporate donations (which are now in excess of $5 million).
"As a community we’re more than capable of looking after ourselves," Mr Kepes wrote.
"While the concern and interest is much appreciated, it’s far better directed to Haiti, Pakistan or some other location that really needs it."
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Comments and questions7
Chris - cheers for that. My post was more a plea for some perspective. We had no deaths and a bit of property damage in a country with significant support.
Haiti had 200k + deaths, massive destruction and all in a country that can't support itself at the best of times.
Perspective anyone?
And another take here - http://diversity.net.nz/hour-of-need-a-redux-what-of-community-what-of-preparedness/2010/09/06/
"Speak for yourself"
Just another publicity fetishist....
Talk about brazen self-belief!
How much has Christchurch entrepreneur Ben Kepes donated? Talking BIG?
with the proper perspective. good call, no one dead and insurance and EQC will cover everything. Give money to people dying of cholera in Pakistan. this man should be mayor of ChCh.
No question the earthquake experience must be traumatic for those impacted and costly in terms of damage, confidence etc. However what a pleasure to hear some-one express gratitude and perspective on the support NZers receive vs. so many others. It would be a shame if we were so focused on entitlement that we forgot to be positive about the support we get.
Who is this scumbag ben keps and what good has he done?
[Mr Kepes co-owns a small outdoor equipment and clothing factory an distribution operation, a tech consultancy and a coffee bean and barista gear company. Getting them back up and running quickly is good for the local economy. You don't have to agree with his view, but it's quite logically and articulately expressed. - Editor]
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