MEDIA RELEASE, Wellington, Thursday, 26 February, 2004
Issued on the Authority of Commissioner Shaw Clifton

Territorial Commander, The Salvation Army, New Zealand Fiji & Tonga Territory

Salvation Army Sets Up Database to Help Flood Victims

The Salvation Army has set up a nationwide database to expedite the flow of donated goods to flood victims in the lower North Island. People who wish to make donations can contact their local Salvation Army unit to have information about items such as furniture, clothing and food added to the central database. The Army will match items listed in the database with the needs of flood victims and distribute these items as needed.

Salvation Army Public Relations Secretary Major David Bennett said that in many cases it could be several weeks or even months before some flood-hit houses would be dried out and sufficiently repaired for people to return to their homes. It would also take time for homeowners to assess the extent of the damage and determine what they needed to resalvage their lives. ‘There has been a tremendous outpouring of sympathy for the flood victims, with people across the country wanting to do something positive to help,’ said Major Bennett. ‘The central database represents an efficient way to co-ordinate and match donations with the people who need them most.’

Major Bennett said that the database would also ease issues relating to the storage of large amounts of donated goods. Pledges of donations would be accepted from anywhere in New Zealand and, when a need was established, delivery arrangements would be organised. He said that The Salvation Army was working closely with other government and relief agencies to make the best use of resources and help as many people as possible.

Major Bennett encouraged people to consider making financial donations to The Salvation Army. ‘One of the best ways to offer immediate help to people in flood ravaged areas is to make a financial donation,’ he said. ‘This money can be used straight away to provide supportive services to flood victims.’ Donations can be made through The Salvation Army’s toll-free number 0800-53-00-00, via the Army’s website www.salvationarmy.org.nz, or by post to PO Box 27001, Wellington.

The Salvation Army is a worldwide evangelical Christian Church and human service provider. The Salvation Army works for the reform of society by alleviating poverty, deprivation and disadvantage, and by challenging evil, injustice and oppression, in the name of Jesus.

Shaw Clifton
Commissioner
Territorial Commander

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