23 February 2011

SBS Bank has pledged its support to the wider Canterbury community following yesterday’s fatal earthquake and launched its own Canterbury Earthquake Relief Package to assist its customers and their families.

SBS Bank chief executive Ross Smith said “the sheer scale of devastation caused by the earthquake has shaken New Zealand as a whole and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to everyone directly affected in Canterbury.

“We know that it will be a long road to recovery for the people of Christchurch and we want to do what we can to help them at this distressing time so we have launched our own SBS Bank Earthquake Relief Package to offer some assistance.”

The SBS Bank Earthquake Relief Package includes emergency funds with an overdraft facility for up to 90 days, home loan payment suspensions, no fees for early repayments of fixed term loans or home loan establishment and adjustment fees.

“Our communities are an integral part of who we are as an organisation and as a born and bred Cantabrian I personally have a strong attachment to Christchurch and its communities. The determination and bravery of the people of Christchurch has been truly humbling and inspiring.

”We know that many of those affected include our staff, customers, family and friends and our thoughts go out to everyone involved. I am sure we all know someone who has been impacted by the events and we want to help in any way we can,” Mr Smith said.

SBS Bank customers who wish to take advantage of these special relief measures or need assistance should contact SBS Bank on 0800 502 442, email info@sbs.net.nz or visit www.sbs.net.nz to find out more.

SBS Bank has also set up a special account for anyone who would like to make a donation to the Canterbury Earthquake Fund. Donations can be made to SBS Bank account number 03 1355 0670219 00.

ENDS

© Scoop Media