4 Ways You Can Help the Victims of the New Zealand Mosque Shootings Right Now

Alexandra Whittaker
Photo credit: Getty Images/Raydene Salinas Hansen
Photo credit: Getty Images/Raydene Salinas Hansen

From Cosmopolitan

  • On Friday morning, terrorists attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand and killed 49 people.

  • They targeted Muslims specifically. This is now the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history.

  • Even if you don't live in New Zealand, there are ways you can help the survivors and families of the victims.

There are 49 people who were shot to death and 48 others injured after terrorists attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday. The attackers specifically targeted Muslims.

This is the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's history. It's easy to feel helpless hearing this, but even if you don't live anywhere near New Zealand, there are still ways you can make a difference in the effort to help victims and fight against Islamophobia and terrorism.

Below are four ways you can support the New Zealand shootings survivors and families of victims.

Donate to the families of victims through the New Zealand Council of Victim Support Groups

If you want to give support to the families of victims more directly, donate to an organization doing just that: the New Zealand Council of Victim Support group. At the time this article was published, more than 7,000 people from around the world contributed.

Share the link to this website on your social media pages

The website Restoring Family Links helps connect survivors to their families and friends. Families can register missing people, and survivors can mark themselves as safe, so it's very important. Local authorities are asking that people spread the word about the site, but they need help. Please share it!

Volunteer time or money at the New Zealand Red Cross

The New Zealand Red Cross trains volunteer teams that help respond to attacks like this. If you live in New Zealand, you can volunteer yourself, but even if you're abroad, you can donate to their efforts here.

You might have seen our collectors out and about this week. They’re taking donations to help people who need your support. By giving to New Zealand Red Cross you’re helping others affected by disaster and conflict, in local communities and around the world. Throughout March in various locations, you’ll meet our amazing volunteers as they shake the bucket and share stories of the incredible work we do. From delivering Meals on Wheel to resettling former refugees, your donations can go a long way to support vulnerable people from all walks of life. We also have new tap-and-go devices to make things super quick and easy, so no worries if you don’t carry cash, you can donate in just a few minutes. Thanks to everyone who has donated so far, your support is a sign of hope, helping to meet both immediate and longer-term needs. Do a good thing and donate today.

A post shared by New Zealand Red Cross (@nzredcross) on Mar 4, 2019 at 9:50pm PST

Give blood if you're in the area and you're able

If you do happen to be in the Christchurch area, (1) please be safe and (2) if you can, consider donating blood. Click here for information about the Christchurch Donor Center, which is currently accepting donations.

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