World Vision Afghan appeal reaches $177,000

World Vision Afghan appeal reaches $177,000

World Vision New Zealand's appeal for funds to aid Afghan refugees today (October 16) reached $NZ177,000, ten days after it was launched.

World Vision New Zealand executive director Helen Green said the response was hugely encouraging.

"Obviously much of the world's attention is focussed on the continuing war but it's reassuring to see the humanitarian dimension of this conflict has not been forgotten," she said.

Mrs Green said many New Zealanders had given sacrificially to aid the cause. She said one young couple had given up the chance of a dream holiday trekking in the Himalayas, in order to give all their travel money to the appeal.

"It's humbling to see this kind of response, where people abandon their own interests for the sake of others," she said.

Currently World Vision has essential supplies of food, blankets, water containers, tents, cooking pots and eating utensils en route to Central Asia to assist refugees who have fled to Iran Pakistan and Tadjikistan. Should conditions permit, World Vision aims to enter Afghanistan itself and take aid directly to the needy.

World Vision's Afghan appeal line number is: 0800 80 2000

Contacts: Helen Green 025 829632; James Addis 021 488448

James Addis Press Officer World Vision New Zealand Ph: 64 9 3560747; mob: 64 21 488448 Fax: 64 9 3093166

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