World Vision New Zealand has been overwhelmed by the out pouring of support from generous Kiwis following the Haiti earthquake.
In just 24 hours members of the public moved by the plight of people on the other side of the world donated NZ$60,000 through World Vision to help the organisation’s relief efforts on the ground.
World Vision’s in-house call centre had phone’s ringing off the hook with concerned supporters wanting to do their bit and website traffic spiked as others made a pledge online.
Director of International Programmes for World Vision New Zealand Seth Le Leu had one message: “Thank you!”
He added: “This is an incredible response in just 24 hours.
“It is not surprising that New Zealanders are moved – the situation in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince is one of complete devastation and unfortunately it’s going to get worse.”
World Vision staff on the ground, who are already distributing emergency supplies to help survivors are increasingly concerned about the implications of a disaster on this scale.
“Haiti is an incredibly poor country – one of the poorest in the world and there is now no government infrastructure left to speak of which can help people rebuild their lives,” explained Le Leu.
“As a child-focused organisation we are particularly concerned about the children who are traumatised, at real risk and incredibly vulnerable – we will be working not just to provide relief but long-term rehabilitation for these little ones.”
New Zealanders are being encouraged to continue to dig deep as World Vision administers not just life-saving aid but starts to plan rehabilitation programmes to restore Haiti’s capital.
In addition, World Vision New Zealand yesterday committed an immediate $150,000 from 40 Hour Famine Funds.
New Zealanders are being asked to support World Vision’s relief efforts by lending a hand and making a donation on 0800 80 2000 or pledging $30 through their Telecom account by phoning 0900 4 HOPE. Alternatively contributions can be made online at www.worldvision.org.nz.
