10/01/05

TEAR Fund receives over $1 million in tsunami relief donations

Aid and relief agency TEAR Fund New Zealand is elated by New Zealanders' compassionate response to the disaster in Southern Asia.

Since initiating its tsunami relief appeal, TEAR Fund has received over $1 million from generous New Zealanders. This is the largest amount TEAR Fund has ever received for an individual appeal.

"The response of New Zealanders' to this crisis demonstrates their enormous kindness and concern. We have had to bring in extra staff to man our call centre, which continues to be inundated by generous donors," says TEAR Fund Executive Director Stephen Tollestrup.

TEAR Fund crisis response teams are on the ground in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia and Thailand. These teams are responding to the immediate need for food, water, shelter, basic health care, clothing, sanitation and trauma counseling. Beyond this urgent support, TEAR Fund regional partners will stay on to continue long-term reconstruction and community development.

Donations to TEAR Fund's tsunami disaster relief appeal can be made by phoning 0800 800 777, or online at http://www.tearfund.org.nz

ENDS

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