People encouraged to make donates to Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal

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The Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Group Emergency Coordination Centre (GECC) is encouraging people, who want to make a cash donation, to make it to the Red Cross Canterbury Earthquake Appeal.

New Zealand Red Cross, after discussions with Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker, has begun accepting secure online and phone donations to help people affected by the Canterbury earthquake.

People can donate in two ways:
· Make a secure online donation at www.redcross.org.nz; or
· Make an automatic $20 donation by phoning 0900 33 200.

Red Cross has stated that it will work with local and Central Government on the distribution of the funds.

Bay of Plenty GECC Group Controller Warwick Murray said at this stage people wishing to make financial donations could do so through the Red Cross.

“While donations of cash are welcome, there is no provision or requirement for people to donate goods. The people of Canterbury do not need goods and trying to move these around will overload an already congested logistics network,” Mr Murray said.