Friendship forged in devastating earthquake brings New Zealand family to Toronto
TORONTO — A Toronto couple who found refuge from a devastating earthquake in the home of perfect strangers on the other side of the world is playing host to their benefactors and relishing the chance to keep building a firm foundation for a friendship begun on shaky ground.
Hershi Kirshenbaum and Martin Fallick found themselves caught in the chaos and tragedy of the deadly earthquake that ravaged Christchurch, New Zealand in February 2011.
The couple found safety in the home of the Wikaira family, who said they felt called upon to shelter the stranded tourists due in part to the tenets of their Maori heritage.
Six years after they opened their home, the Canadians returned the favour when Maia Wikaira and her parents Martin and Rachel came to North America.