Caritas Appeal For Tsunami Victims

MEDIA RELEASE #2 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
4 APRIL 2007

Caritas Seeking Financial Support To Assist Those Affected By Tsunami In Solomon Islands

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development, is seeking financial donations to assist those affected by the large earthquake and tsunami in Western Province of the Solomon Islands.

Director of Caritas, Michael Smith reported: “The scale of the destruction of this disaster is growing by the day. It is estimated that on the Island of Gizo, over 900 houses have been destroyed, health facilities severely damaged and 5,000 people affected. We are working with our Caritas partners, including Caritas Australia and other Church agencies in the Solomon Islands to respond to the needs of those affected.”

Various NGO’s are involved in relief work, with different NGO’s and governments taking on different roles. At this stage, the Caritas efforts are likely to be aimed at the reconstruction of water tanks, church health and education infrastructure and trauma counselling.

Michael Smith noted that “It is hoped that Caritas supporters, catholic and non catholic, will consider making a donation to assist with the immediate needs of the people as well as to help rebuild their lives.” Requests are going out to Catholic parishes this Easter and to the media for support. Donations will be used to fund relief and rehabilitation work and assistance is provided to people based on need regardless of their religious affiliation.

Donations can be made in the following ways:
• Call 0900 4 11 11 for an automatic $20 donation charge to your phone bill
• Phone: 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or
• Post donations to: Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, PO Box 12-193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, NEW ZEALAND.

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