2 September 2005

New Zealand Red Cross accepting donations for Hurricane Katrina

New Zealand Red Cross is accepting donations to help provide relief for those affected by Hurricane Katrina in parts of America.

All donations received will be passed on to the American Red Cross which is providing lifesaving relief efforts for millions of people including the provision of food, water and shelter.

Acting Director General Graham Wrigley says New Zealand Red Cross has received many calls from the public wanting to donate to those affected.

“It really shows the generosity of New Zealanders. After so many gave to those affected by the South Asia tsunami, it is extremely heartening to see that New Zealanders are still finding ways to help those in need.”

New Zealanders can donate online at www.redcross.org.nz, or by calling 0800 RED CROSS.

The American Red Cross has launched the largest mobilisation of resources in its history for a single natural disaster. Thousands of Red Cross volunteers have been mobilised across the country, along with more than 200 emergency response vehicles.

More than 200 Red Cross shelters are housing thousands of residents who fled Katrina's wrath.

Along with partners, the American Red Cross is preparing sites for more than 15 kitchens, with a capacity to feed more than 350,000 residents daily, with additional capacity en route. The Red Cross is also in the process of acquiring 50,000 additional meals ready to eat. In addition, 288,000 heater meals are ready for distribution in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with another 150,000 in Montgomery, Alabama.

ENDS

© Scoop Media