Caritas pledges $10,000 toward Christchurch earthquake relief - accepting donations

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has pledged $10,000 towards relief work following the magnitude 7.1 earthquake that shattered Christchurch on Saturday.

Caritas Director Michael Smith says the Catholic aid and development agency is accepting financial donations and these will be directed towards the work of the St Vincent de Paul Society and other Catholic agencies supporting people in greatest need.

“We express our heartfelt condolences and support to the people of Christchurch as they come to terms with the disaster and start restoring their lives,” says Mr Smith.

“We do not normally support emergency response within New Zealand, recognising our strong national infrastructure and the expertise of our emergency and welfare organisations. However, given the size of this disaster and its ongoing effects, we know additional support is required.”

The St Vincent de Paul Society will support those in greatest need, by providing accommodation, clothing, food, furniture and other necessities. St Vincent de Paul Society National Executive Officer Anne-Marie McCarten says, “Those who will require the most assistance will be the ones with least – such as those on the poverty line and those who are uninsured.”

Donations to Caritas for Christchurch earthquake relief can be made by:
• Phoning 0800 22 10 22 to make credit card donations or
• Donating online using a credit card at www.caritas.org.nz or
• Posting to Caritas, PO Box 12193, Thorndon, Wellington 6144, New Zealand.
Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of Caritas Internationalis, a confederation of 165 Catholic aid, development and social justice agencies active in over 200 countries and territories.

ENDS

© Scoop Media