[ad_1]
Stuff
Stuff readers have given millions of dollars to support those affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.
An East Coast mayor says she feels “humbled” by community support in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, as a Stuff fundraising campaign for those affected hits the $4 million mark.
The campaign hit the milestone early on Friday morning, thanks to contributions from more than 34,000 Stuff readers. The proceeds will go to Red Cross New Zealand’s disaster fund and mayoral relief funds.
Gisborne Mayor Rehette Stolz, who saw communications and water supply knocked out in her rohe by the cyclone, said Tairāwhiti was “blown away and humbled” by the efforts to raise money all over the country.
“A big shout-out to Stuff for doing what they’re doing,” she said.
READ MORE:
* Sharp drop to 56 people uncontactable after Cyclone Gabrielle, police say
* Cyclone Gabrielle: The dirt bridge that reunited a tiny flood-hit community
* Cyclone Gabrielle mayoral relief funds to target wrecked communities
“There are just so many beautiful offers of support and messages of support.”
Once donations come in, the Gisborne District Council would check what the money was donated for and made sure it went there, Stolz said.
“We will be able to match it with basic stuff on the grounds like salt removal, fence fixing, some welfare support,” she said.
“If there’s some way that you want to help people in Tairāwhiti, feel free to donate your time or, if you feel like making and you can, a financial donation.
SUPPLIED
Mikey Kihi, Rikki Kihi, and Morehu Maxwell got in an inflatable boat and saved dozens from the flooding in Eskdale as a result of Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We will make sure that money is matched up with … needs in our community.”
The Red Cross is on the ground dealing with immediate welfare needs and supporting people’s emotional, practical and social needs.
Mayoral relief funds help local communities support whānau, community organisations and marae after an emergency.
Stuff’s fundraising campaign ends on Sunday.
[ad_2]