A new initiative to remember and honour the lives lost in the March 15 mosque attacks will be launched next month, Christchurch City Council has announced.
The ‘Unity Week’ event will run from 15 to 21 March and is an initiative of the Sakinah community Trust, a non-for-profit led by seven women who lost loved ones in the tragic attacks.
“We believe that everyone, regardless of their background or community, should feel welcome, respected, and loved for who they are and where they come from,” said one of the Trust’s founding members, Hamimah Ahmat.
“Our message this year is that unity begins with U; we all have a part to play, so please join in because it’s sure to be an enriching experience.”
Christchurch Mayor, Phil Mauger said Unity Week was a great chance for people to reflect on the past and work towards a more unified future.
“We want Christchurch to be known as a place where everyone is valued, respected and safe and I look forward to being a part of Unity Week,” he said.
Ms Ahmat said there are many ways people can get involved, and urged people to join the movement by attending one of the local events, or creating their own Unity Week within their community.
“We are also happy to have the support of partners including Meta again for another year of Unity Week,” she said.
Find out more about other Unity Week activities at unityweek.co.nz.
