NEWS RELEASE

17 March, 2011

Red Cross Commission to re focus grants to most need

Helping the people of Christchurch requires a change in targeting of our Red Cross grants to best meet local needs says Chair of the Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission, Sir John Hansen.

The New Zealand Red Cross will wind down its Emergency and Hardship Grant from the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal to finish on 11 April 2011 and announce new grants in the coming weeks.

Sir John Hansen says that the city is moving into a recovery focus and Red Cross Emergency and Hardship Grants for immediate crisis need to be adjusted.

“Our immediate focus was on people living in their homes without power or water or sewerage, or people forced to leave their homes because they were deemed unsafe due to damage. These funds have helped many people get back on their feet quickly at a very difficult time. For those who have not yet applied, I encourage them to do so as quickly as possible.”

“We are currently evaluating the appeal fund and looking at targeting other areas in most need of financial assistance. The Commission will be announcing new grants for the people of Christchurch, but residents should contact us on 0800 754 726 if they need support”, says Sir John Hansen.

The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal has paid out over $9 million in hardship grants to over 10,000 applicants since the fund was first announced on 2 March 2011. The total number of applicants who have applied for the Emergency and Hardship Grant currently stands at just over 22,000.

The Red Cross will continue to operate its Bereavement Grant which pays $10,000 to the immediate family of confirmed deceased.

People living overseas affected by the earthquake are also eligible to apply for these grants.

People who meet the criteria for the Emergency and Hardship Grant are encouraged to apply online at www.redcross.org.nz or on a dedicated website www.redcrosseqgrants.org.nz from Monday, 21 March.

Copies of the Emergency and Hardship application forms are also available at Christchurch’s Recovery Assistance Centres in Nga Hau e Wha Marae; Linwood Community Link; Wainoni Aranui Recreation Centre; Parklands Baptist Church; St Faiths Hall; Shirley Rugby Club; Sydenham Community Centre; Lyttelton Recreation Centre; Hagley Park, Old Boys Cricket Club and Mount Pleasant Yacht Club. See wwwmsd.govt.co.nz for the most up to date locations.

The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal has reached $32 million to date. Red Cross national societies from Australia, Great Britain, Ireland and Canada are also running national appeals for the people of Christchurch.

People in New Zealand can donate to the appeal via www.redcross.org.nz or make a secure credit card donation on 0800 272 006 or text a message to 4419 to donate $3.

ENDS

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