More Help for Families of those Killed in Earthquake

The New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Commission has today approved another grant for the families of those killed in the Canterbury earthquakes.

The Commission has approved another $10,000 payment for bereaved families, following an initial payment of $10,000 in March 2011.

Commission head Sir John Hansen says many of those who donated to the Earthquake Appeal gave money to help the families of those killed and injured.

“As well as dealing with damaged homes and ongoing aftershocks like many other Cantabrians, this group of people is also having to contend with the emotional and practical implications of losing a loved one.

“Feedback we have received indicates many are still struggling financially, especially those who have been left as the sole parent.”

Last year 186 families received the bereaved person’s grant.

Red Cross is also giving more help to 23 people most seriously injured in the earthquakes, after an initial payment last year of $7500.

In total almost $68 million in grants has been distributed to 77,308 people.

More than $115 million has been raised to date by the New Zealand Red Cross from the September and February earthquake appeals, including $14 million donated from overseas for specific purposes such as the long term recovery of Christchurch.

The remaining $33 million is earmarked for grants which are still open. To apply for a grant go to www.redcrosseqgrants.org.nz

ENDS

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