Hawke’s Bay Foundation has launched the HB Cyclone Relief Fund via its webpage, as a way for New Zealanders to donate much needed financial assistance. These funds will support the region’s charitable organisations working tirelessly on the ground, through a series of urgent targeted distributions.
“The events of Cyclone Gabrielle have been catastrophic for so many communities across Hawke’s Bay and the need for support is now critical. I lived in Puketapu and we lost our home when the Tutaekuri River broke its banks. We were evacuated safely after three days of war-time spirit in our subdivision, and I am well aware there are many other isolated communities still awaiting rescue’, says Hawke’s Bay Foundation Executive Officer Amy Bowkett.
“Hawke’s Bay Foundation is the safest and most effective way to distribute donations quickly to local disaster relief agencies. We have the team, the infrastructure and the reputation that gives donors the confidence they need to ensure every cent of their donation is getting to where it’s needed most. Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s Distributions Committee has expert reach in the local charitable sector and will ensure all funds are distributed with urgency, as early as possible,” she adds.
Heeding the plea for donations is internationally acclaimed artist Sting and global entertainment company Live Nation. The British superstar announced yesterday that in light of the disaster and his cancelled concert at Napier’s Mission Estate, he will instead donate to Hawke’s Bay Foundation’s Cyclone Relief Fund.
Here are some other comments from people working on the ground at the moment.
Re-Source founder Nadine Gaunt and her team have been working around the clock dispatching clothing, food, bedding and essential supplies to displaced families with immediate needs. With over 100 volunteers and four vans running, Nadine says money for fuel and wages to keep their drivers on the road is an urgent priority: “We are grateful Hawke’s Bay Foundation has been responsive to the immediate needs of our dislocated communities. Ordinarily, we collaborate with over 70 organisations here on the ground, right now they are all operating under extreme pressure. Efficiencies are key and for us, having enough funding to ensure the reliability of our drivers is what this Fund will hopefully provide.”
Emergency relief efforts are ongoing in Hastings, Napier, Central Hawke’s Bay and in Wairoa where much of the township has been rendered to mud and silt. Hawke’s Bay Foundation Chair Giles Pearson says the biggest priority is reaching those isolated and stranded: “We are starting to come to terms with the devastation across the district and the region but our biggest challenge right now is making sure that our people have the basic needs of food, fuel and medical supplies. Our supporting agencies have spent countless hours since the cyclone gathering information to assess parts of our district in most need.”
“This is going to take months and years for our district to rebuild, rebuilding homes and infrastructure will be colossal but the mental health impacts will be felt for a very long time to come. This Fund will bolster Hawke’s Bay’s recovery and help sustain the monumental task ahead our charities face supporting displaced families and communities worst affected. Please, if you can, give generously as every little bit helps,” says Giles Pearson.