World Vision rallies Australians and businesses for Nepal Earthquake

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Some of Australia’s leading businesses have rallied to World Vision’s call to support its urgent relief efforts in Nepal following the devastation of the recent earthquake.

The public are invited to join business leaders, the Australian Nepalese community and World Vision supporters at a special event at Sydney’s Custom House on Thursday morning to raise funds for food, water and emergency shelter.

Organisations including Jetstar, Groupon, St.George, CUA, and Hyundai A-League have got behind World Vision’s call to commit funds, make in-kind donations and open their vast networks to garner support.  

As the shock of the devastation in Nepal turns to the recovery effort, the true picture of the humanitarian disaster is unfolding, requiring a monumental investment in the country’s long term development – estimated at more than $415 million by the UN in the coming months alone.

“It’s been incredible to see the business community reach out to the people of Nepal in their darkest hour, but we’re calling for even more support,” said George Savvides, Chairman of World Vision Australia.

Mr Savvides said that World Vision Australia and its corporate partners are now urging other Australian businesses to join them and consider what they can do to support the Nepalese community.

Shesh Ghale, President of Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) said: “I’m in Nepal and have seen first-hand the devastation and need for World Vision’s lifesaving work. The people of Nepal are in grief - grief for those they’ve lost, grief for the collapse of their homes and grief for the destruction of their cultural sites. I’d encourage anybody who can to consider supporting the Nepal Earthquake Appeal.”

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO, David Hall said: "In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, we're working with our team members and customers to support the community by partnering with our StarKids partner World Vision to contribute to the relief effort. From midnight to midnight on Thursday 7 May 2015, we'll be running a 24 hour donation drive, with one dollar from every Jetstar fare purchased on our website going to World Vision Australia's Nepal Earthquake Appeal. I know there are many worthy causes to support, but in this time of need I'd call on other businesses to do what they can to help the people of Nepal."

St.George Banking Group CEO, George Frazis said in times of need, it’s important for the business community to step up and support those impacted by tragedy. “Nepal has always been a very popular place for Australians to visit and we also have many people of Nepalese heritage here.  In the wake of the devastating earthquake, Australian businesses can show leadership and use their broad networks to provide support and assistance to the Nepalese community.”

Groupon ANZ CEO, Alistair Venn said: "Together with World Vision, Groupon is raising funds for the Nepal Earthquake Emergency Appeal to help provide urgent supplies to survivors and rebuild the lives of the devastated communities. We're calling on our staff, business partners and customers to donate generously in hope that our contribution goes a long way towards the $415 million appeal target. By rallying together, collectively we can make a real difference."

Businesses supporting Nepal’s earthquake relief include:

  • Jetstar, who will donate $1 for every fare sold this Thursday (7 May), as well as encouraging customers to make a donation when purchasing a flight through the online booking platform and on social media
  • Groupon, who have raised $42,000 through an online donation campaign and will encourage donations to their extensive nation-wide database
  • Football Federation Australia and Hyundai A-League is promoting the Nepal Earthquake Appeal this Friday night (8 May) at the A-League Semi Final between Melbourne City and Melbourne Victory, and Saturday (9 May) between Sydney FC and Adelaide United
  • St.George will donate a lump sum to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal and will be encouraging appeal donations through their networks and in branches
    CUA is encouraging staff to support World Vision’s Nepal Earthquake appeal and matching funds raised by staff dollar for dollar
  • ABC Tissues has donated $50,000 to the Nepal Earthquake Appeal

More than 7,000 people were killed and over 14,000 injured on Saturday, 25 April when a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal.

World Vision will meet the immediate needs of 100,000 people providing water, temporary shelter, sleeping mats, blankets, hygiene kits, cooking kits and other essential relief supplies, as well supporting health and child protection activities.

To donate to World Vision Australia’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal call 13 32 40 or visit www.worldvision.com.au/nepal-earthquake.

Journalists and photographers are invited to attend a one-off special event uniting hundreds of people and prominent business leaders with members the Nepalese community in a symbolic gesture #WithNepal

When: 8-9am on Thursday, 7 May

Where: Courtyard, Customs House, 31 Alfred St, Sydney

For media interviews please contact:

Kayla Robertson, World Vision:  +61 (0) 418 762 926 or kayla.robertson@worldvision.com.au

Media Releases, Nepal earthquake, Middle East, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, CSR, Disaster relief, Nepal earthquake, Philanthropy

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