September 9 2010

When Ashburton District Tourism put out a call for accommodators around the district to donate bed nights to victims of the Christchurch earthquake, they appear to have unleashed a torrent of generosity.

Emails and faxes were sent to accommodators yesterday morning and within the first few hours, four had responded with offers that could see people having a home away from home for several weeks, or simply a break away for a night or two.

One of the first in was the Hotel Ashburton, with manager Donald Lamont happy to cross out two of his family units for up to 14 nights.

"There's not a hell of a lot in the greater scheme of things we can do, but this might allow people to be able to get out and get away."

Ashburton Tourism marketing assistant Anita Tweed said there was now a steady flow of responses including a stay of up to one month at Horsefly Farm Stay; a two or three week stay for a family of 4-5 at Lake Heron Station and a cabin for a week at the Methven Camping Ground.

Carradale Manor has two bedrooms available, for couples, length of stay as required. Bendale has its guest wing available for a two night stay from September 27, with one double and one twin room and sofa bed for a child if needed. Masses of pet lambs to feed so would suit family with children. The Rakaia River Holiday Park has offered a motel family unit (2 adults plus 2 children) and a cottage (2 adults plus 4 children) for two nights each.

When the full list of donated accommodation is available, it will be circulated through aid agencies in Christchurch.