NEWS RELEASE

13 November 2013

New Zealanders Quick to Donate to Typhoon Haiyan Appeal

Donations to the New Zealand Red Cross Typhoon Haiyan appeal are breaking records, as New Zealanders rush to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan that devastated parts of the Philippines on Friday.

The appeal reached $260,000 by this morning, and cash donations continue to come in by the minute. It is shaping up to be the biggest public response to a New Zealand Red Cross emergency appeal since the Canterbury earthquakes hit in 2010 and 2011. New Zealand Red Cross is also putting in $100,000.

Acting Secretary General Bruce McGregor says he is proud New Zealanders are giving so generously to help those affected by the typhoon.

“On behalf of New Zealand Red Cross I would like to thank you all. Your donations mean the Philippines Red Cross can get food, water, shelter and medical help to those caught up in this catastrophe. One hundred per cent of your donations will go towards helping those affected.”

Mr McGregor says cash donations are still the best way people can help.

“Cash is more easily collected, transferred, distributed and accounted for. We do not accept clothing, food or other goods, as they can clog up airports and ports and distract humanitarian workers from more important tasks.”

Mr McGregor says New Zealand Red Cross can also help people trace family members missing in the Philippines through its Restoring Family Links programme. So far the service has fielded 17 inquiries.

People needing help to trace family in the Philippines should email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276). New Zealand Red Cross has also actively contacted migrant groups to let them know how it can help. @NZRedCross facebook.com/newzealandredcross

ENDS

Ways to donate to the Typhoon Haiyan appeal :

Through our website: www.redcross.org.nz

By sending donations to the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington

By making a direct credit into our bank account: ASB 12-3192-0015998-00

By using the smartphone app Push Pay

If you have lost contact with a family member in the Philippines:

If you are based in New Zealand and your family member is a Philippines national, please email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276)

If you are not in New Zealand please go to the ICRC Restoring Family Links website and contact your local National Society - www.familylinks.icrc.org

New Zealanders with concerns for New Zealand citizen family members in the Philippines should try and make direct contact in the first instance and call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they have on-going concerns (Tel: 04 439 8000).

ENDS

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