16 March 2011

Christchurch deputy mayor Ngaire Button and the Red Cross accepted a $400,000 donation from Telecom New Zealand today.

This donation to the New Zealand Red Cross 2011 Earthquake Appeal represents the many hours spent by Telecom people organising bake sales, red and black days, collections and other fundraising initiatives off their own bat for the people of Canterbury.

In Christchurch at the Telecom exchange building in Linwood to present the donation, CEO Paul Reynolds said: “Telecom has a strong and enduring association with Christchurch, as exemplified by our 1600-strong workforce in the region.

“People across our Retail, Gen-i and Chorus businesses have worked incredibly hard since 22 February to keep our networks and services up and running.

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“We have repaired broken cables and equipment, moved into temporary premises and worked alongside local businesses to help them recover.

“Meanwhile Telecom people across New Zealand and Australia have donated close to $195,000 to the company’s ‘Big whip-around’ fund in support of the Red Cross’ official quake appeal.

“The response by our people here and in Australia has been overwhelming.

“Telecom has matched Telecom staff contributions dollar-for-dollar, bringing a total donation to the Red Cross of $400,000.”

“We hope this sum helps the people of Christchurch to recover from the terrible events of 22 February,” said Paul Reynolds.

ENDS

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