Countdown and its customers have raised more than $38,000 for Oxfam’s Cyclone Winston Appeal. The funds will support Oxfam in their work to deliver emergency drinking water and hygiene kits for families, repair water supplies and toilets, clean wells and set up emergency water filtration units in Fiji and Tonga.
Countdown’s General Manager of Operations, Brett Ashley, says the result is a fantastic achievement. “When we kick-started the fundraising by donating $10,000, we had no idea our customers would add to that total in such a significant way.
“This is a fantastic result that both our team and our customers can be proud of. These funds will go a long way to helping Oxfam with their work and ensure our Pacific neighbours can get back on their feet.”
In addition to the donation made by Countdown, team members also donated a container load of clothing, food and other necessities that has since been sent to Fiji.
Executive Director of Oxfam New Zealand, Rachael Le Mesurier, says “I’d like to say a huge thank you to Countdown and their customers for supporting the people of Fiji in their time of need.”
“Oxfam is hoping to reach 20,000 people with the donations New Zealanders have given and we are committed to helping communities with their long-term recovery. The money raised will help Oxfam to help Fijian communities get back on their feet.”