PRESS RELEASE

May 7, 2008

TEAR Fund praises Kiwi response to Myanmar disaster

TEAR Fund’s executive director Stephen Tollestrup, has praised Kiwis for their generosity in response to its Myanmar (Burma) emergency appeal.

Overnight TEAR Fund phones ran hot with callers responding to the situation and online donations were also heavy. So far TEAR Fund has raised $15,000 and expects the emergency appeal to hit the $25,000 mark in the first 24 hours.

“It is in times like these that Kiwis really show they care,” said Mr Tollestrup.

TEAR Fund’s partner in Myanmar swung into action immediately following the cyclone sending assessment teams to the worst hit areas. They were able to do this because they have been working in the country since 1995. They have been one of only a few aid agencies that have been trusted to work in the country, controlled by a restrictive military regime.

“They know the area well, and more importantly the people, and TEAR Fund has every confidence in their ability to make a targeted response to help this hurting country.”

Since the aftermath of the cyclone, staff members on the ground have been making needs assessments. “We fully expect their follow-up will include providing food, water, shelter and other basic needs to those whose lives have been turned upside down by the cyclone.”

To donate call 0800 800 777 or give on www.tearfund.org.nz

ENDS

Editor’s Note: TEAR stands for The Evangelical Alliance Relief Fund so the first word is capitalised.

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