NEWS RELEASE

12 November 2013

New Zealanders Give Generously to Help Typhoon Haiyan Survivors

New Zealanders have rushed to help any way they can in the wake of the devastating Typhoon Haiyan that hit the Philippines on Friday.

New Zealand Red Cross has been swamped with offers of help and donations since launching its appeal on the weekend.

Donations to its Typhoon Haiyan appeal topped $100,000 within the first 36 hours, and New Zealand Red Cross has also put in $100,000.

Red Cross Acting Secretary General Bruce McGregor says donating to the appeal is still the best way people can help.

“Financial donations are still desperately needed so we can help the Philippines Red Cross get food, water, shelter and medical help to those caught up in this catastrophe. The impact of Typhoon Haiyan will be felt for many weeks and months to come.”

Mr McGregor says many organisations have encouraged staff to donate to the appeal, including the EPMU, which has given $5000 in solidarity of its 300 Filipino members.

He says New Zealand Red Cross can also help people like those Filipino workers, who have family back home.

“We have a Restoring Family Links programme which specialises in tracing family members during disasters. People can email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 REDCROSS (0800 733 276). We are also actively contacting migrant groups to let them know how we can help trace missing family members.” @NZRedCross facebook.com/newzealandredcross

He says the RFL service has fielded 10 inquiries so far.

New Zealand Red Cross also wants to remind people it does not accept clothing, food or other goods, as they can clog up airports and ports and distract humanitarian workers from more important tasks.

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).

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