Red Cross accepting donations for Middle East North Africa Appeal

New Zealand Red Cross is accepting donations on behalf of the International Federation of the Red Cross (IFRC) to raise money for and assist people affected by the civil unrest in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).

With armed conflict reaching a new high and the involvement of international forces the IFRC is eager to continue to support population movements primarily from Libya into surrounding countries and ongoing help for those in need across the wider MENA region.

New Zealand Red Cross delegate Bill Olsen, a member of only five Red Cross IT and Technology teams in the world, has been sent to Tunisia to assist its Red Crescent Society to install a radio network to help managed the influx of refugees, mainly from neighbouring Libya.

“The challenge will be to establish a network quickly and effectively, it will be an achievement, but it’s something I have extensive experience doing,” said Bill who has been working in the field for over 50 years.

“Unlike cellphones which require infrastructure and electricity to run, radio communication is reliable, quick and self-contained: a necessity in unstable and highly unpredictable environments.”

People in New Zealand can donate to the appeal via www.redcross.org.nz.

All funds will be used towards the IFRC MENA Appeal to assist people and communities affected.

ENDS