Westpac has joined with World Vision to offer generous New Zealanders an easy way to pledge support for Haiti.
So far, the World Vision New Zealand appeal total stands at NZ$215,000 with the organisation’s website taking more donations than ever before.
Now, those wanting to help the people of Port-au-Prince following last week’s earthquake, can also make an over-the-counter-donation at any Westpac branch to the ‘World Vision Haiti Emergency’ account.
Westpac's CEO George Frazis said the bank was delighted to be able to help. "The people of Haiti are suffering terribly, and we want to make it easy for New Zealanders to donate to World Vision's relief efforts. They can now make a donation at any branch of Westpac, and all our branch staff have been notified."
World Vision’s Director of International Programmes Seth Le Leu added: “We are grateful to Westpac for coming on board with us.
“New Zealanders have already been overwhelmingly generous but the situation in Haiti is desperate and the work World Vision is carrying out is critical - so anything that encourages people to give is wonderful!”
Over the weekend World Vision began distributions of clothes, hygiene kits, dried biscuits, and bottled water to 750 homeless families in Port-au-Prince. The distributions were made at a car-wreckers yard in Petionville and in a disused lot in the Canape Vert suburb where the homeless had camped out and dehydration was becoming a problem.
Beneficiary Dine Paul held on tightly to her 1-year-old daughter as the crowd jostled around her. “It’s good to see the aid coming but we want to see more,” she said.
Another mother Gina Jean, who has not been able to find her husband since the quake struck destroying their home, is now living on a patch of waste ground with her two children. One of them is only 4-months-old. The other is 10. A few strung up bed sheets and a washing line hung with clothes, are their only protection from the sun. “It is shameful for my children to have to live like this,” she said.
New Zealanders are being asked to support World Vision’s relief efforts by lending a hand and making a donation on 0800 80 2000 or pledging $30 through their Telecom account by phoning 0900 4 HOPE. Alternatively contributions can be made online at www.worldvision.org.nz.
