F.Y.I.

SBS and the Red Cross raise $273k for New Zealanders affected by Christchurch earthquake

SBS and the Red Cross undertook a national radio and online appeal yesterday which raised over a quarter of a million dollars for those affected by last week’s Christchurch earthquake.  

The announcement:

2 March 2011 – SBS’s Day of Support raised more than a quarter of a million dollars yesterday, to help those affected by the devastating earthquake in Christchurch.

A national fundraising radio appeal and online campaign, held in partnership with Red Cross, took place with 17 of SBS Radio’s language programs.

SBS staff and volunteers took thousands of calls, with donations totalling $273,090.

The final tally was announced by Dirk Anthony, Director of Audio & Language Content, at SBS this morning:

“We set out last Thursday to create a special “Day of Support” for New Zealand’s Earthquake survivors, in tandem with our partner the Australian Red Cross. Thanks to the hard work of many, we hope this contribution will help to make a difference for people in the Christchurch area.

He added, “SBS audiences are incredibly generous. I am so pleased that SBS Radio could make such a substantial contribution through the generous efforts of our listeners and I want to extend my sincere thanks to all who donated for their support.”

Australian Red Cross CEO Robert Tickner, said “Red Cross would like to say a heartfelt thank you to SBS, for making this event such an overwhelming success”.

He added: “It is a truly inspiring example of the power of humanity at work – in this case the thousands of listeners who gave so generously. You can rest assured that your donations will directly support Red Cross to help those affected by the earthquake.”

Special thanks also go to the wonderful volunteers who manned the phone rooms in Sydney and Melbourne yesterday. SBS Managing Director Shaun Brown said “We have an extraordinary result that will go some way towards helping those in Christchurch rebuild their lives. Thanks and well done go to everyone involved in this fantastic achievement.”

SBS has a history of working with charities and communities to raise money for worthy causes through Radio appeals and has raised more than $10 million since 1997.

Pledges for the SBS Radio appeal have now closed. If you would like to make a donation please visit www.sbs.com.au.

Source: SBS press release

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