New Year’s Eve revelers give generously to Tsunami Emergency Appeal

Oxfam fundraisers at public celebrations Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch on Friday night were pleased with the public response to their presence. Many people commented that they were grateful to have the opportunity to donate, according to volunteer collectors. A lot of people have been deeply affected by what has happened and are grateful for the opportunity to do something to help.

Oxfam New Zealand’s appeal has now raised $380,000 in cash, credit card and cheque donations, with on-line donations yet to be tallied. Executive Director Barry Coates said this morning “The public response has been amazing. People are aware that this crisis affects millions of people in our region of the world. This is an unprecedented response to a public appeal. The money raised here in New Zealand is enabling Oxfam to get the equipment and people in place to provide clean water and sanitation, helping to prevent the outbreak of disease, which is a major risk in the worst affected areas.”

Internationally, members of Oxfam International have raised a total of NZ$36 million.

To donate to Oxfam New Zealand’s EARTHQUAKE TSUNAMI EMERGENCY FUND call 800 400 666 or donate online www.oxfam.org.nz To arrange an interview with Barry Coates or with staff on the ground in Sri Lanka, India and Indonesia, please contact Shuna Lennon on (021) 294 2089

http://www.oxfam.org.nz

Situation Update

Sri Lanka
The Oxfam plane arrived in Sri Lanka Friday night, equipment has been offloaded and is on its way in trucks to Trincomalee on the east coast. Together with equipment sourced locally, it will be used to set up
emergency drinking water systems for 50,000 affected families along the east coast where conditions are being made more difficult by heavy monsoon rains.

Indonesia
The Oxfam plane landed in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday. Equipment is being transferred to another plane and will be flown on to Bande Aceh on Sunday. Once it arrives, our team hopes to have a water system set up within 48 hours to provide clean drinking water for 60,000 homeless people in 12-14 camps (as agreed with the local Ministry of Health). They will also be digging emergency latrines for these camps. A team of 11 Oxfam staff has set up base in Banda Aceh, more international staff expected in coming days. They are working around the clock to find ways of getting out into inaccessible areas.

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