NEWS RELEASE
13 February 2009

Update: New Zealand Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Fund

Seven days after New Zealand Red Cross began accepting donations for the 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund, its total now stands at over $1.4 million.

The 2009 Victorian Bushfire Fund to assist individuals and communities affected by devastating bushfires in Victoria has been launched by the Premier John Brumby in partnership with Australian Red Cross and the Federal Government. The fund total in Australia currently stands at over $50 million.

Criteria for the distribution of the fund are being worked on urgently by an independent advisory panel of Victorian community leaders including a representative from Australian Red Cross. The panel will be chaired by the Hon. John Landy, AC.

Once the Independent Advisory Panel has recommended criteria for distribution of the Appeal funds, the Victorian Government will then distribute the funds through the Department of Human Services.

New Zealand Red Cross expects to be able to transfer a significant portion of the donations received into the Appeal fund within the next month. Much of the money pledged has not been received into New Zealand Red Cross’ bank account yet. The Government contribution will be transferred as soon as it is received.

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 waive any fees associated with the 0900 number or banking for the duration of the bushfire appeal. New Zealand Post will provide postage relief to New Zealand Red Cross to assist in delivering the many thousands of tax receipt letters donors have requested.

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

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.

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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