MEDIA RELEASE - Vodafone is thrilled with the way Kiwis have swung in behind a text fundraising campaign to support the Red Cross appeal for communities in Kaikoura and Blenheim areas struggling after Monday’s devastating 7.8 earthquake.

Vodafone launched the campaign just two days ago – it works when Kiwis text the words RED CROSS to 3181 enabling an automatic $3 donation to the Red Cross November 2016 Earthquake Appeal.

Donations from Kiwis via the text system have soared to more than $73,000.

Vodafone is covering all costs associated with the text fundraising campaign, so that one hundred per cent of all money donated will go directly to the emergency response.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation chair, Antony Welton said, “Thousands of Kiwis have reached out through our social media pages to share the text appeal number, and tag each other in a bid to raise as much money as possible”.

Vodafone also donated $150,000 on Wednesday, through its charitable trust, The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation.

“We know the donations are going to make a difference in the lives of so many people who have lost so much in the worst affected areas” Antony said.

Red Cross has announced the total amount of money pledged through texts and donations from throughout the country is now sitting at $850,000.

Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine said “It has been an amazing response, and it will really help to meet the needs of those left traumatised by these events”.

“Our teams on the ground are trying to help people whose homes are without power and water. But one of the main things is to make contact with people and let them know they are not on their own”, Tony said.

Antony Welton said, “We want to help meet the immediate needs on the ground now, as well as support the long term rebuild for everyone affected”.

Kiwis can make an instant $3 donation by simply texting RED CROSS to 3181. People can also visit www.redcross.org.nz/donate to give to the November 2016 Earthquake Appeal.

For more information on how to donate and updates on fundraising efforts, please visit: www.vodafone.co.nz/redalert

Vodafone is continuing to work closely with other telecommunications providers to ensure connectivity to support the community, and incoming emergency service workers.