HELP for the PACIFIC ISLANDS

With Cyclone Gita leaving a trail of destruction through the Pacific Islands and still on it's way to Vanuatu & New Caledonia, many Pacific Islanders living here in New Zealand are asking what they can do to help ...

Many aid workers say that the most effective way that you can help is to donate to New Zealand Red Cross’ Pacific Disaster Fund. This Fund allows the Red Cross to respond quickly and effectively to the most urgent needs when a disaster hits anywhere in the Pacific.

100% of the money donated to this ongoing special appeal goes towards supporting communities in the Pacific affected by a disaster. New Zealand Red Cross has already released NZ$10,000 from our Pacific Disaster Fund to support Samoa Red Cross in its response.

You can donate via the website: www.redcross.org.nz
Or via bank transfer:
- Bank name: ASB Bank Ltd
- Account name: Special Appeal
- Account number: 12-3192-0015998-00
- Particulars: Your first name or initials and surname or organisation name
- Code: PacDisF #CycloneGita

Here are some other organisations who have Emergency Disaster programmes ready to assist our Pacific Island nations:

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity are preparing a response for the Pacific and have started an Emergency Response Disaster Fund.  Their mission is to provide a hand up for people to fill their basic needs for housing.  You can donate to help rebuild communities in the Pacific here  

Tearfund 

Tearfund have set up a fund to help Tonga specifically.  Their partner in Tonga is collaboratively working with other local NGOs to help those families and communities worst affected by Cyclone Gita, which will go to material assistance, rebuilding and contributing to long term relief and recovery supporting the people of Tonga to get back on their feet.

You can donate here

OXFAM 

Oxfam has a Disaster Response Fund set up so that they can launch rapid responses to crises like Cyclone Gita.  The funds go towards life-saving hygiene kits to stop disease, safe water for drinking & washing and building toilets for families made homeless.  

Donate to Oxfams response fund here 

GO FUND ME 

A Go Fund me account has been set up by Lucy Siale who is a Tongan living in California.  You can donate to her fundraising efforts here

SALVATION ARMY 

The Salvation Army has a strong presence in Fiji and Tonga and has recently expanded its services to the people of Samoa.  With all of these regions affected by Cyclone Gita, they have now launched the Pacific Emergency Fund as an urgent fundraising appeal to assist our Pacific communities affected by this disaster.  They are working with the governments of these islands to help with the cleanup & the years of rebuilding afterwards.

SISTERS UNITED NZ / PARRIS GOEBEL 

The Goebel sisters have a container ready to go to Samoa so are taking donations of clothing, non-perishable goods & anything else helpful for the people of Samoa.

 

FREE CHURCH OF TONGA 

People in Auckland who want to make donations or drop off food can contact the Reverend Iveni Tomu at the Free Church of Tonga in Māngere on 09 376 462.  They will be helping out with fundraising and sending donations back to Tonga.