Fonterra earthquake donations hit $3 million

Fonterra confirmed today that the Fonterra Earthquake Relief Fund will contribute more than $3 million to the Canterbury earthquake relief effort.

In the five days since the Fund was set up, Fonterra staff and farmer shareholders have donated more than $1 million.

Chief Executive Andrew Ferrier said donations were still coming in. “Fonterra matched the first $1 million dollar-for-dollar, and we are going to continue doing that.”

Together with the $1 million the Co-operative pledged last Wednesday, that means the broader Fonterra family has so far donated over $3 million.

Mr Ferrier said he was humbled by the way shareholders and staff from around the world had pitched in for those affected by the earthquake.

“This is a phenomenal contribution which shows this terrible disaster has touched our staff around the world. I am also very proud that our shareholders have been donating through other channels, and have been helping on the ground with accommodation and assistance with the clean-up.”