NEWS RELEASE

11 February 2009

New Zealand Red Cross Asks For Cash Not Goods To Assist Australian Bushfire Appeal

The New Zealand public continues to respond in an overwhelming manner to support those affected by the Victorian bushfires.

New Zealand Red Cross has now received $370,000 through online donations and the 0900 33 200 number 100 percent of all donations made via New Zealand Red Cross will go directly to the 2009 Victoria Bushfire Fund.

Kind hearted people have been contacting New Zealand Red Cross with many different offers of assistance for those affected by the fires. New Zealand Red Cross is only able to accept financial donations, and asks that people understand that offering cash rather than clothing (new or used), goods of any kind or offers of voluntary assistance are not immediately helpful in this disaster situation.

“When disaster strikes, it’s common for people to help in any way they can, even if they are far away,” says Glenn Rose, New Zealand Red Cross’ International Humanitarian Programmes Manager. “Lessons learnt by the International Red Cross Movement after numerous disasters suggest this practice, while well meaning, is the wrong approach and has on occasions been damaging and detrimental to those in need.”

“There are a number of reasons why cash is more effective than donated goods. Using cash in the local economy destroyed by the disaster to purchase the things people need can help restore livelihoods. Collecting, storing and shipping goods takes time and has a cost. When the goods arrive at their intended location, they can clog up logistics channels or they may arrive too late to be any use at all anyway. But perhaps most important is the fact that the affected local communities, along with the local welfare authorities, are the best placed to assess the immediate needs, and they can then purchase the most appropriate goods immediately.”

The New Zealand Government (NZAID and MCDEM) advocates that best practice in responding to disaster management is by providing financial assistance rather than goods.

Australian Red Cross has specifically asked that goods not be donated. They have indicated that if there is a specific need for goods identified then, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, a request will be made. It is likely that the request would be filled locally in Australia.

“We fully appreciate that the philosophy of charity is about people giving what they can. We are immensely grateful for the generosity of New Zealanders in their support for the bushfire appeal so far.

“Our suggestion to people who are collecting clothing or goods that they had intended to donate to New Zealand Red Cross for the bushfire appeal is to hold a garage sale or an on-line auction, and then donate the financial proceeds. People can also consider dropping their goods at any of our Red Cross Shops where they will be sold with the profits going back to support New Zealand Red Cross programmes and activities.”

People in New Zealand wishing to support the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund can do so by donating to New Zealand Red Cross. Donations can be made by:
• visiting our website www.redcross.org.nz to make a secure online donation
• calling 0900 33 200 to make an automatic $20 donation
• sending a cheque to Australian Bushfire Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington, 6144.
• making a donation at any New Zealand Red Cross service centre

As part of the global Red Cross Restoring Family Links programme, people who can not establish contact with immediate relatives or who may be directly affected by the bushfires can email familylinks@redcross.org.nz or can contact their local New Zealand Red Cross office for assistance.

New Zealand Red Cross is not seeking volunteers to assist with the bushfires. The Australian Red Cross has asked that people do not make donations of goods. Cash donations are the most effective way to assist in disaster situations such as this.

Ends

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