31 December 2004

Thank You New Zealand!

Christian World Service (CWS) has already sent urgently needed funds to India and Sri Lanka to help those in desperate need in those two countries.

At the end of this year CWS wants to thank all those who have supported our work through this year and in particular those who have responded to the victims of the South Asia tsunami. Because of the swift and generous response we have been able to send funds already direct to partners in Sri Lanka and southern India who are assisting very severely affected poor communities.

“We are heartened by the swift and generous response of people living in Aotearoa New Zealand to those in need,” says Elizabeth Mackie, Projects Secretary. “People are giving generously and churches are collecting donations to assist the very poor people with whom our partners work. Despite the enormity of the tragedy which I can scarcely imagine, this support is truly empowering.”

The money sent to India yesterday is being used to buy materials, for medical supplies, clothing, tools for clearing dead bodies and to help with food.

In Sri Lanka partner groups are distributing food, water and medicines and comforting Tamil people in the poorest most isolated regions in the north and east.

Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Uniting parishes are continuing to raise funds.

Donations can be made by phoning: 0800 74 73 72 or can be sent to P O Box 22 652, Christchurch or through the website www.cws.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media

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