NEWS RELEASE

9 May 2008

New Zealand Red Cross donates $100,000 to Myanmar relief operations

New Zealand Red Cross has today committed $100,000 towards relief operations in Myanmar.

The money has been made available through New Zealand Red Cross' Disaster Relief Emergency Fund and will be sent directly to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (the Federation) emergency appeal.

The $100,000 from New Zealand Red Cross will assist to fund emergency supplies such as non food items, water containers, water purification tablets, tarpaulins and other essential items.

Since Cyclone Nargis hit on 2 May, Kiwis have been opening their hearts and wallets to those affected by the disaster and have already donated over $20,000 to New Zealand Red Cross for the relief operations on Myanmar.

"While we may be far away, Kiwis are bridging the gap and making very generous donations to assist the relief operation. Everyone who donates to New Zealand Red Cross' Myanmar Appeal can rest assured that every cent they donate will support the Federation's relief operations in Myanmar, getting directly to the people who need it most," said New Zealand Red Cross' National President Penny Mason.

New Zealanders who would like to help with the Red Cross emergency appeal can either:

* Donate online at www.redcross.org.nz

* Make an automatic $10 donation by calling 0900 33 200

* Drop their monetary donations at any New Zealand Red Cross office

* Post donations to their local Red Cross office or to PO Box 12-140, Wellington

ENDS

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