Save the Children New Zealand today issued a thank you to all New Zealanders who had supported its tsunami appeal, declaring that further donations for children in tsunami-struck regions would no longer be actively sought.

Fundraising activities in New Zealand, government support and donations from the public had generated over NZ $1.6 million for the appeal, contributing to a global tally of US $200 million, which the International Save the Children Alliance has estimated is sufficient to carry out its tsunami relief work and long-term development plans for the region.

Executive Director of Save the Children New Zealand John Bowis said that prospective donors would instead be encouraged to support the organisation’s equally critical work with children in other parts of the world.

“New Zealand’s generosity has been heart-warming”, he said. “However as our global organisation is now in a strong position to fulfil the immediate and long-term needs of children affected by the tsunami, we mustn’t neglect the needs of children elsewhere.”

“115 million children worldwide are missing out on an education, while the number of children orphaned to HIV/AIDS is increasing rapidly. Save the Children New Zealand’s committed giving programmes tackle these issues - and more - head on, but the extent of their impact relies on public and government support.”

Meanwhile, proceeds from fundraising activities already planned for Save the Children New Zealand’s tsunami appeal would be accepted for the tsunami response, he said.

For further information, please download the full statement below, issued by the International Save the Children Alliance.

International Save the Children Alliance thanks supporters
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