Red Cross donates $50,000 to Iran earthquake

Red Cross donates $50,000 to Iran earthquake; seeks further help

New Zealand Red Cross has donated $50,000 to assist victims of the earthquake that struck southern Iran on Boxing Day.

At least 20,000 people were killed in the earthquake, an estimated 50,000 were injured and tens of thousands left homeless. Latest reports from the area, centred on the city of Bam, are of widespread damage and severe impacts on the population.

NZRC Director General, Flora Gilkison, said New Zealand Red Cross has also set up a special phone line for public donations.

New Zealanders can help earthquake victims by * ringing 0900 33 100 to make an automatic $20 donation * sending a donation to Freepost Red Cross, PO Box 12-140, Wellington * making a credit card donation at www.redcross.org.nz

"We hope New Zealanders will once again show their support for people in need, where-ever they are in the world, by supporting the work of the Red Cross," Mrs Gilkison said. No funds given to the appeal will be retained in New Zealand for marketing or administration purposes.

Funds raised in New Zealand will support a global appeal for US$12.3 million, launched by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The New Zealand Government has already donated NZ$200,000 to this relief effort.

Immediate priorities are to send some 20,000 family tents, 30,000 plastic sheets, 200,000 blankets, 40,000 kitchen sets, 400,000 water purification tablets; 30 electricity generators and 20,000 kerosene heaters.

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