Fri, 7 Jan 2005

New Idea partners with World Vision in tsunami relief appeal

The New Zealand issue of New Idea, which goes on sale on Monday, is devoted to raising funds for regions devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami, with 20c from every copy sold going to World Vision's tsunami relief work.

The issue is the first for new editor Robyn Foyster, who sees the magazine as an important vehicle for New Zealand women to respond to the overwhelming disaster.

"New Zealanders are generous people, and we're just giving them another way to respond and to give. It's easy to feel helpless at times like this, but every dollar makes a difference to the victims, and every dollar counts,” says Ms Foyster, who has pledged 20c from every magazine sold to World Vision.

New Idea will be publishing an exclusive report of the disaster. Ms Foyster says celebrities have been willing to feature in the issue to support relief work in Asia. "It's the plight of the children that really touches us, and with reports from the devastated regions that as many as 50% of the victims may have been children, we feel supporting World Vision as a child-focused organisation is the right move"

World Vision's Executive Director Helen Green is grateful for New Idea's support and publicity. "At times like these, it's important for New Zealanders to be well informed about what has happened, and also to be given a chance to respond as they feel fit. We're thrilled with the funds raised so far in New Zealand, but we're aware also that it's going to be a long term commitment to get these countries back on their feet, and we're envisaging three years of hard work to rehabilitate the people.

"It's thrilling to see a leading woman's magazine such as New Idea stepping forward to bring the stories of need to New Zealand households, and we're very grateful to them for taking this initiative. It's a very Kiwi thing to do!"

Ms Foyster says New Idea is proud to be associated with New Zealand's leading aid and development agency. "If every New Zealand household bought a copy of New Idea on Monday, that would be literally thousands of dollars for the victims of the tsunami"

To donate to World Vision's appeal, please phone 0800 80 2000 or visit the website: www.worldvision.org.nz

ENDS

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