News

Message from New Zealand: Firefighters Earthquake Appeal

Published Date: 03.22.2011

George Verry, the CEO of the United Fire Brigades’ Association of New Zealand, has issued the following appeal to the global fire and emergency service community, asking for help for the firefighters that were impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck Christchurch in February. Please read the appeal and consider supporting these first responders in need.

Message from George Verry, CEO, United Fire Brigades’ Association of New Zealand

On 22 February, Christchurch, New Zealandʼs second largest city, was struck by a huge earthquake. The devastation this caused has been seen on television news throughout the world. One hundred and sixty people have lost their lives and the final death toll is expected to exceed 200.

As happens in such terrible disasters that occur throughout the world, firefighters are the first on the scene and are prominent in the rescue operations. Christchurch was no exception.

While our firefighters were at the forefront of coming to the aid of the people of Christchurch, they and their families were not immune to the huge damage and hurt to all citizens, and their families and homes and many have suffered severely.

In an effort to help the firefighters of Christchurch and their families get back on their feet after the devastating earthquake that struck the city on 22nd February, the United Fire Brigadesʼ Association of New Zealand is running an appeal that will be administered through its Benevolent Fund, a charitable entity that has been helping firefighters cope with adverse financial and other circumstances.

The purpose of this communication is to inform you that the UFBA Benevolent Fund Firefighters Earthquake Appeal is now open to international donations.

Since the earthquake, the UFBA has received an average of 20+ applications per day for assistance from firefighters who have been adversely affected by the disaster. It is our hope that opening the Earthquake Appeal to a wider audience will help us raise more funds, and ultimately, do more to help firefighters in need.

International donations may be made by credit card by visiting www.ufba.org.nz and following the link to the UFBA Benevolent Fund Firefighters Earthquake Appeal page. Bank of New Zealand has arranged for all associated processing fees to be waived so that 100% of all donations can go directly to the firefighters of Christchurch.

Your help in getting the message out about the Appeal would also be much appreciated. Please pass this information on to any other organisations or individuals you think are appropriate.

We encourage you to get in touch with us if you have any questions or comments by contacting Jane Davie by email (jane@ufba.org.nz) or phone (64 4 237 2683).

Thank you for helping us make the UFBA Benevolent Fund Firefighters Earthquake Appeal a success.

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our colleagues from the international fire, rescue, and emergency management community for the kind words and thoughts we have received. Many of the firefighters living and working in Christchurch have told us that, during this difficult time, your messages of support have meant a lot.

Sincerely,
George Verry
Chief Executive Officer
United Fire Brigadesʼ Association of New Zealand

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