World Vision sends funds and experts to Solomons

World Vision is sending four Solomon Islands staff to assess the situation in Gizo by plane from Honiara tomorrow. The staff will be on the ground for three to four days in Gizo, looking at the damage caused by yesterday's earthquake and tsunami and assessing how World Vision will be helping beyond the initial contribution of funds for emergency food and water.

Meanwhile New Zealanders Stephen Harries, Bonnie Jackson and nurse Joy Miller, who worked with World Vision in Papua New Guinea after the 1999 tsunami, depart for the Solomons later this week.

World Vision New Zealand has just committed NZ$50,000 from 40 Hour Famine funds to help with initial relief efforts.

"We set aside a certain amount from Famine funds every year to contribute to these kind of emergency relief situations," says Bonnie Jackson, relief officer for World Vision New Zealand. "It is very timely as the 40 Hour Famine took place two weeks ago, and those who participated will be collecting money from their sponsors. They can be assured that those funds will go to help children and their communities in the rural villages along the coast."

Ms Jackson says she will be working alongside Solomon Islands staff in the relief effort. "The situation is already pretty dire there. Rice has already run out in Honiara, and building materials and tarps will be in scarce supply. We still don't know how many are dead or wounded."

World Vision is accepting donations on 0800 80 2000 or through the website www.worldvision.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media