New Zealand Red Cross

Media release

14 December 2016

RED CROSS ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR EARTHQUAKE DAMAGED HOMES

New Zealand Red Cross has announced a grant to assist people whose homes have been damaged by the November 14 earthquakes.

The Damaged Home Grant of NZ$1,000 is available for people whose residential homes received either a red or yellow sticker, or were required to evacuate their homes for seven days or longer following the 14 November earthquakes.

“This was a huge event that caused significant damage to people’s homes, lives and livelihoods,” says New Zealand Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine

“We are launching the Damaged Home Grant because we know more than 570 homes have been damaged. While Kiwis are a resourceful bunch who’ve been making do and helping each other, they need a bit of help themselves. This grant will give those people a small helping hand.”

In addition to the Damaged Home Grant New Zealand Red Cross continues to monitor and respond to the needs of people affected by the earthquakes across the country.

Red Cross volunteers and staff are currently going door-to-door in Kaikoura to ensure people are connected to help that is available and are providing psychosocial support.

Since 14 November, Red Cross volunteers have logged more than 9,000 hours of service, delivered 250 parcels of food, spoken with 1,100 residents through outreach and door-knocking projects alongside local community groups, and installed hand-washing stations in Kaikoura.

To date Red Cross has raised more than $3 million for the November 2016 Earthquake Appeal.

“I’d like to thank the generous people near and far who have donated to our appeal; to the people who dug deep and made these grants possible – thank you. And to the people who have helped out, our Red Cross teams and anyone who has lent a hand - thank you,” says Mr Paine.

ENDS

How to help

People can donate to Red Cross’ November Earthquake 2016 appeal to assist affected people in the Hurunui, Kaikoura, Marlborough and Wellington regions with grants, psychosocial support and outreach programmes and other support as needed.

• Donate at redcross.org.nz

• Text REDCROSS to 3181 to make an instant $3 donation

By post to: New Zealand Red Cross – Supporter Services, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington 6144

By calling 0800 RED CROSS

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