New Zealanders give generously to Caritas Tsunami Appeal

The generosity of Caritas donors who have supported those affected by the recent Tsunamis has seen the latest tally of donations reach approximately $200,000.

Mike Smith, Director of Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development said, “This disaster has obviously touched the hearts of thousands of kiwi’s and the outpouring of goodwill and support by Catholics and non-Catholics for the Caritas appeal has been phenomenal. With donations flooding in this figure is constantly rising and may well be our largest appeal to date.

“Together with donations made by individuals, Catholic parishes throughout the country have been taking up collections and churchgoers have been generous in their support.”

Donations made to Caritas New Zealand will go to support the work being done by Caritas Sri Lanka (Social Economic Development Centre – SECEC) and our partners working in the Indonesian province of Acheh – Cordaid (Caritas Netherlands), Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Jesuit Refugee Services (JRS).

In Sri Lanka, Caritas staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to deliver food, water, clothing and medicine. In the diocese of Galle, there has been the distribution of food and other relief items. Emergency centres have also been set up for the thousands of displaced people whose homes were destroyed by the waves. In Batticaloa diocese, there are over 46,000 people in 98 camps, receiving food and medical attention. According to local priest Father Sritharan, every refugee in these camps has lost at least one family member. Caritas Sri Lanka is also working in the dioceses of Jaffna and Trimcomalee where they are distributing relief items.

In Banda Aceh, Caritas partner, JRS, have reported scenes of turmoil and desolation. They are working together with CRS and Cordaid in 49 camps that have been established where the thousands of displaced people can receive food, water, shelter and healthcare.

Smith also commented, “With the disaster relief and recovery efforts going to take considerable time and large financial resources, New Zealanders are encouraged to support the Caritas Appeal. Caritas donations will be used to assist those most in need, regardless of race, creed or political affiliation.”

Donations to the Caritas Asia Tsunami Appeal can be sent to Caritas, PO Box 12 193, Wellington, For credit card donations please call 0800 22 10 22, or visit our website http://www.caritas.org.nz or to make a $20 phone donation via your telephone account call 0900 4 11 11.

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