MEDIA RELEASE - Vodafone has today contributed a significant donation to the Red Cross November 2016 Earthquake Appeal to help communities in Kaikoura and Blenheim left struggling after Monday’s devastating 7.5 earthquake.

With network recovery well underway and mobile and broadband services almost fully restored to communities across the lower North Island and upper South Island, Vodafone has turned the spotlight on the relief effort for some of the worst affected communities.

As a demonstration of our support of the valuable work carried out by the Red Cross to support residents and visitors of the Marlborough and upper Canterbury region, Vodafone has donated $150,000 to the Red Cross November 2016 Earthquake Appeal, through its charitable trust, The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation.

Vodafone New Zealand Foundation Chair, Antony Welton said, “When Kiwis are affected by disaster we know how important it is to provide the right support.

“We wanted to make a difference with relief efforts right now, as well as contribute to both the
long-term rebuild, and emotional well-being of residents and visitors who have been affected by the quakes and continued aftershocks,” Antony said.

Red Cross Secretary General Tony Paine said he was extremely thankful for the show of generosity.
“As we know from our Christchurch experience, there will be a lot of people who have lost a lot and facing very tough times, just to get their lives and houses back to normal.

“We are just so thankful to organisations like Vodafone, and generous Kiwis who always seem to come to the fore when communities really need it” Tony said.

As well as a significant contribution to the November 2016 Earthquake Appeal, Vodafone will support the Red Cross fundraising campaign by making it easy for all Kiwis to donate.

Vodafone has committed to cover the costs associated with the Red Cross November 2016 Earthquake Appeal text fundraising campaign, so one hundred percent of all money donated will go directly to the emergency response.

Antony Welton said, “It’s becoming increasingly clear from the reports by the Red Cross team on the ground just how traumatised people are.

“There is a massive need for support of nearly every kind, and the best thing we can do is provide money to the Red Cross to make sure they can allocate the right sort of support where it is most needed,” Antony said.

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: http://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.