Zespri Donates $100,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal

ZESPRI will donate $100,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to support victims of the devastating earthquake.

ZESPRI Chief Financial Officer, Merv Dallas, said: “Our hearts go out to Christchurch residents and visitors who have been affected by this tragedy. In considering how ZESPRI could assist, we felt a significant cash contribution would be the most effective means of support, and we’ll pay this through to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal on the 4th of March.”

One of ZESPRI’s customers in Japan, Aeon Co. Ltd., has announced that, from 21 April to 20 May, it will donate JP¥1 (approx. NZ$0.01) from each kiwifruit sold in 1200 of its stores, to the Christchurch Relief Fund. In addition AEON 1% Club which consists of the Aeon group of companies donated JP¥ 10 million (approx. NZ$165,000) to New Zealand Embassy last month.

“We are very humbled by this gesture from Aeon, who is likely to sell around 2.5 million kiwifruit or packs of kiwifruit during this period,” said Mr Dallas. “Unfortunately Japan is connected to this tragedy through a number of Japanese people who were present in Christchurch at the time of the quake, some of whom are still missing, and our thoughts are also with their families and friends.”

“This event in New Zealand has reminded us of the earthquake that hit Kobe in 1995 and the terrible impact that had on that city, and also of the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake which impacted many kiwifruit growers in the Bay of Plenty.

“It has also been most humbling to see the international teams that have come to New Zealand to assist in the rescue and recovery with teams from Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, USA, Mexico and Britain to name a few.

“New Zealand is such a small place and it is highly likely that every New Zealander will know someone who has been impacted by this disaster in some form and this is why we are so humbled by the support from our international friends.”

ZESPRI’s in-market teams in Asia and Europe are working with New Zealand Embassy staff on how they can support the Appeal.

ZESPRI is also providing redundant packaging (boxes) to supermarkets and collection points to assist with the collection of food and other items, and is encouraging staff to wear red and black tomorrow and contribute a donation towards the relief fund.

ENDS

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