On March 13, Severe Tropical Cyclone Pam tore its way across the tiny nation of Vanuatu, smashing buildings and uprooting trees with winds reaching 320 kilometres per hour.

 

So far with the help of tens of thousands of Australians and New Zealanders Red Cross has  shipped thousands of tarpaulins, water containers, shelter and first aid kits and plans to distribute much needed supplies through the 27 Vanuatu Red Cross branches across the islands.  

To support this crucial work Red Cross launched a special appeal to raise funds for urgently needed survival items for  thousands of people impacted by the severe storm.

 

Coca Cola is helping to promote the Cyclone Pam appeal with Red Cross, which was which was one of the the first relief organisations on the ground in the devastated area following the cyclone.

 

The category five Tropical Cyclone devastated homes, livelihoods and infrastructure across Vanuatu, aid agencies reported.  



girl-vanuatu

 

Thousands of people in eight other Pacific nations have also been impacted by floods, heavy rainfall and winds. including Fiji, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Palau and Papua New Guinea.

 

Many of these people rely heavily on home-grown produce to survive and will need ongoing food support as most of their local gardens were wiped out by the devastating cyclone.   

 

However, thanks to the efforts of people like you food, water and shelter is getting through and will continue to help those in need across the Pacific.

 

Last week, Coca-Cola arranged delivery of 20,000 bottles of Kiwi Blue water to be delivered to Vanuatu through MFAT on the HMNZS Canterbury. The company has also donated 5,000 bottles of water to ‘Help Vantuatu’, a group led by Auckland University students who will be selling the bottles of water on campus with proceeds going to New Zealand Red Cross Tropical Cyclone Pam appeal.

 

If you would like to help people affected by Cyclone Pam, here’s how:

 

•                  People can donate to the Tropical Cyclone Pam special appeal online – www.redcross.org.nz/donate or call 0800 RED CROSS

•                  Cash donations can be made via Red Cross offices and shops

•                  Donations can also be made through cheques to Tropical Cyclone Pam New Zealand Red Cross PO Box 12140 Thorndon Wellington 6144

•                  Post shops and Kiwibank branches around New Zealand are also taking donations on behalf of Red Cross

ASB Bank and BNZ Customers are able to make donations through their banks

 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XmigJwyCB0c