A joint fundraising effort by the Australian Red Cross and the ABC has raised more than $2 million for Vanuatu's Cyclone Pam relief appeal. <\/p>\n
Since Friday, all ABC radio, television, and online networks encouraged Australians to donate to the Red Cross or their preferred charity supporting those affected by the category five storm. <\/p>\n
Red Cross chief executive officer Robert Tickner said the appeal had raised a total of $4.2 million, with almost half coming since the ABC's appeal. <\/p>\n
\"Funds raised through this effort means that not only can we help right now, but into the future as people rebuild their lives,\" he said. <\/p>\n
\"Funds raised with the ABC's help provide not only immediate relief like tarpaulins and toolkits to help people put a roof over their heads but also long-term support so that they can recover and rebuild, with stronger homes. <\/p>\n
\"It also means that we can provide safe drinking water to stave off diseases, and psychological support to traumatised families.\" <\/p>\n
The Red Cross was the first organisation to begin relief distributions in some of the worst-affected areas, and conducted rapid assessments across 15 islands. <\/p>\n
An estimated 166,000 people were affected by Cyclone Pam, up to 90 per cent of homes were damaged and 65,000 people were left in desperate need for shelter. <\/p>\n
ABC managing director Mark Scott said the amount raised was a great achievement considering it was only last Tuesday that the ABC executive decided to plan the appeal. <\/p>\n
\"I am delighted at how quickly and effectively our programming and production teams came together to deliver our #withVanuatu day on Friday,\" he said. <\/p>\n
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Cyclone Pam: ABC, Red Cross Vanuatu fundraising campaign collects more than $2 million<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A joint fundraising effort by the Australian Red Cross and the ABC has raised more than $2 million for Vanuatu's Cyclone Pam relief appeal. Continue reading