NEWS RELEASE

13 February 2009

New Zealand Red Cross Bushfire Fund Continues To Grow

Financial support from the New Zealand public for the victims of the Victorian bushfires continues to pour into New Zealand Red Cross.

Since the appeal was launched on Monday, New Zealand Red Cross has received over $769,000 from public donations and when added to the $500,000 contribution from the New Zealand Government, the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund now totals over $1.2 million.

100 percent of donations go directly to the fund with no deductions for costs associated with administration, banking or transaction fees. Both Telecom and ASB have advised New Zealand Red Cross that they will remove any fees associated with the 0900 number or banking for the duration of the bushfire appeal.

In addition to accepting financial donations, New Zealand Red Cross is also assisting New Zealanders to establish links with family who may have been in the affected areas throughout Victoria via the global Red Cross Restoring Family Links programme.

With assistance from the Australian Red Cross, New Zealand Red Cross has facilitated 14 enquiries and has received six ‘safe and sound’ messages back.

People who cannot establish contact with immediate relatives who may be directly affected by the bushfires can email familylinks@redcrossorg.nz or can contact their local New Zealand Red Cross office for assistance.

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

New Zealand Red Cross is only able to accept financial donations, and asks that people understand that offering clothing (new or used), goods of any kind or offers of voluntary assistance are not immediately helpful in this disaster situation.

ENDS

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