New Zealand Red Cross Flood Relief Fund reaches over Two Million

New Zealanders have responded with outstanding generosity to the people who have been affected by the devastating floods that occurred in central New Zealand during February. Over two million dollars has been raised so far in the New Zealand Red Cross Flood Appeal with more being added daily. The New Zealand Red Cross contributed $100,000 to start its appeal and the ANZ, National Bank and the ASB who have been collecting public donations at their branches, also started their appeals with a $50,000 contribution. In addition to the cash raised, businesses have donated goods and services that are being distributed to those in need. The New Zealand Red Cross provided $50.00 vouchers for clothing and $100.00 vouchers for bedding as their initial response to the emergency. There has also been an overwhelming public response of donated furniture, clothes, bedding and food that has been being distributed through the main distribution centre in Palmerston North.

New Zealand Red Cross will be distributing its funds as quickly as possible. The New Zealand Red Cross fund is a national fund, and as such was joined by many other smaller funds to enable larger distributions to those severely affected by the flooding in not only the Manawatu area but also the lower South Island and Upper South Island.

New Zealand Red Cross will be making distributions directly to those affected rather than diluting the funds by going through other agencies. Also the Red Cross has said that all funds will be distributed and that there will be no administration costs deducted. This also means that more money will be able to go directly to those affected. The actual level of funding to seriously affected homes and farms is still to be confirmed as it depends on the numbers of victims being finalised and the level of funds.

The funds are expected to be distributed during April.

New Zealand Red Cross is expecting the government dollar for dollar subsidy announced for national appeal funds to greatly enhance the level of funding they actually have for distribution.

ENDS

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