NEWS RELEASE

15 November 2013

New Zealand Red Cross Sending Aid Workers to the Philippines

Three New Zealand Red Cross aid workers are heading to the Philippines to help establish vital telecommunications links for the IFRC’s massive relief effort to support survivors of Typhoon Haiyan.

Mike Carson from Wanganui, Thomas McNally from Auckland and Ewan Coldicott from Wellington are taking one tonne of IT and telecommunications equipment with them, including HF and VHF radios, satellite communications and also equipment to set up computer networks.

The trio will be completely self- sufficient, carrying their own tents, food and water filtration systems, and it’s envisaged they will stay in the field for a month.

Team leader Mike Carson says he’s looking forward to the challenge.

“It’s great to have the opportunity to be part of the relief effort. I’m really glad to be given the chance to make a difference, and help support all those who have lost so much as a result of the disaster.”

The aid workers leave Wellington tomorrow morning.

New Zealand Red Cross is also sending about 200 family tents to the Philippines, to house those who have lost their homes as a result of the typhoon.

The tents are 5.5m by 3m and are lockable, mosquito proof, and heavy duty. They can comfortably house a family of five.

New Zealand Red Cross acting Secretary General Bruce McGregor says his organisation is very pleased to be able to help with personnel and equipment, and is grateful for the generosity of New Zealanders towards the Typhoon Haiyan appeal, which has now topped $600,000.

Mr McGregor says cash donations are still the best way people can help, and Red Cross does not accept donations of goods or food. @NZRedCross facebook.com/newzealandredcross

New Zealand Red Cross continues to help people trying to trace family members in the Philippines through its Restoring Family Links programme.

For more information contact:

Corinne Ambler, Communications Manager p: +64 27 705 3689 e: corinne.ambler@redcross.org.nz

ENDS

Ways to donate to the Typhoon Haiyan appeal :

Through our website: www.redcross.org.nz

By sending donations to the Typhoon Haiyan Appeal, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington

By making a direct credit into our bank account: ASB 12-3192-0015998-00

By using the smartphone app Push Pay

If you have lost contact with a family member in the Philippines:

If you are based in New Zealand and your family member is a Philippines national, please email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276)

If you are not in New Zealand please go to the ICRC Restoring Family Links website and contact your local National Society - www.familylinks.icrc.org

New Zealanders with concerns for New Zealand citizen family members in the Philippines should try and make direct contact in the first instance and call the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade if they have on-going concerns (Tel: 04 439 8000).