PRESS RELEASE
May 7, 2008
TEAR Fund praises Kiwi response to Myanmar disaster
TEAR Fund’s executive director Stephen Tollestrup, has praised Kiwis for their generosity in response to its Myanmar
(Burma) emergency appeal.
Overnight TEAR Fund phones ran hot with callers responding to the situation and online donations were also heavy. So far
TEAR Fund has raised $15,000 and expects the emergency appeal to hit the $25,000 mark in the first 24 hours.
“It is in times like these that Kiwis really show they care,” said Mr Tollestrup.
TEAR Fund’s partner in Myanmar swung into action immediately following the cyclone sending assessment teams to the worst
hit areas. They were able to do this because they have been working in the country since 1995. They have been one of
only a few aid agencies that have been trusted to work in the country, controlled by a restrictive military regime.
“They know the area well, and more importantly the people, and TEAR Fund has every confidence in their ability to make a
targeted response to help this hurting country.”
Since the aftermath of the cyclone, staff members on the ground have been making needs assessments. “We fully expect
their follow-up will include providing food, water, shelter and other basic needs to those whose lives have been turned
upside down by the cyclone.”
To donate call 0800 800 777 or give on www.tearfund.org.nz
ENDS
Editor’s Note: TEAR stands for The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund so the first word is capitalised.