21 November 2013

UNICEF NZ Thanks New Zealand as Fundraising Hits $1m for Philippines

UNICEF NZ Emergency Appeal. Donate at: www.unicef.org.nz/philippines or call 0800 800 194

UNICEF New Zealand is thrilled to announce that donations by New Zealanders to its Philippines Emergency Appeal have reached $1.3m. It is the largest amount of money UNICEF NZ has ever raised for an emergency.

Dennis McKinlay, Executive Director at UNICEF NZ, said “We are humbled and amazed by the response we have had from New Zealand to our Philippines Emergency Appeal. We have seen real Kiwi generosity in the last ten days, so a huge thank-you to everyone who has donated or given support to UNICEF NZ and affected families in the Philippines.

“Every contribution, small or large, is going a long way to easing the suffering of affected Filipino children and families. It’s fantastic to see New Zealand dollars being turned into real support delivered by our UNICEF teams on the ground.

“We would also like to acknowledge the phenomenal support of the Campbell Live team and its viewers, who, together with Gareth Morgan’s support, have generated over $600k in donations.”

Additionally, UNICEF NZ is grateful to have the support of the Filipino Embassy and community who has chosen UNICEF as one of three charities to support through a range of events, such as a street appeal and fundraising events.

UNICEF still urgently needs more funds to respond to Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. Mr McKinlay added, “With an estimated 12.9 million people estimated to have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan, including over 5 million children, the demands of this emergency are huge.”

UNICEF’s emergency response in the Philippines is being led by Kiwi Angela Kearney. The team, on the ground in areas including Tacloban, Ormoc, Aklan, Cebu and Capiz, is working around the clock to provide supplies such as hygiene kits, medicines, water purification tables, water tanks, and getting water and sanitation systems operational.

There is a race against time to reach children in the most remote areas in order to deliver safe water and sanitation and to address medical needs. UNICEF is also protecting children from the risk of exploitation with staff on the ground working to care for unaccompanied children and reuniting families.

“As well as making a donation, New Zealanders around the country are taking action in their communities to raise funds through so many different avenues – this includes a major concert announced yesterday in Wellington featuring a host of Kiwi artists,” said Mr McKinlay.

The Hope after Haiyan Typhoon Relief Concert in aid of UNICEF NZ will take place on the evening of Saturday 30 November at the TSB Arena in Wellington. Aaradhna, Cornerstone Roots, King Kapisi, Jupiter Project, Five Mile Town and more…. with renowned sound engineer MadMat, are the acts that have come together to pledge their support.

Tickets are available from Ticketek for just $35 GA in advance ($5 extra on the door), $45 Seated in advance ($5 extra on the day). The concert is being organised by Southern Collective Music and LendYour Ltd.

Mr McKinlay added, “The Typhoon Relief concert is an opportunity for 6000 people to come along and show support and solidarity for the Philippines, while having a fantastic night out being entertained by some of our most exciting musicians.”

New Zealanders can donate at: www.unicef.org.nz/philippines or call 0800 800 194
Concert tickets available from: www.ticketek.co.nz/hope

About UNICEF
UNICEF is on the ground in over 190 countries and territories to help children survive and thrive, from early childhood through adolescence.

The world’s largest provider of vaccines for developing countries, UNICEF supports child health and nutrition, good water and sanitation, quality basic education for all boys and girls, and the protection of children from violence, exploitation, and AIDS.

UNICEF is a charity funded entirely by the voluntary contributions of individuals, businesses, foundations and governments.

www.unicef.org.nz

ENDS

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