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South Africans urged to reach out to earthquake victims
Thursday, 14th May 2015 I For immediate release
The Salvation Army has appealed to members of the South African public to assist its relief work in earthquake-struck Nepal – and this week’s new earthquake in the battered country has made assistance even more urgently needed.
Members of the organisation’s emergency response team have been bringing much-needed relief to people in remote areas of Nepal. Major Carin Holmes, PR Secretary for The Salvation Army Southern Africa territory, says: “News has come through from our international headquarters of the response team’s first large-scale distribution of essential food items to members of remote mountain communities. It is clear that the country will need huge amounts of assistance to recover, so even the smallest contribution will be helpful.
“Those wanting to contribute to the relief efforts in Nepal can SMS the word “Earthquake” to the Salvation Army’s SMS line on 42290,” Major Holmes added.
Alternatively, a deposit can be made directly into The Salvation Army’s bank account, whose details are below:
The banking details are:
Bank: First National Bank
Branch: Braamfontein
Branch code: 251905
Account name: Salvation Army Red Shield Appeal
Account number: 50540087604
Reference: Please give your name and “Earthquake” as a reference.
According to news from The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters, team members in Kathmandu, helped by local volunteers, earlier this week loaded a truck with rice, dhal, oil and salt and drove it to Sindupalchok District. The district is not far from Kathmandu but remains one of the least developed areas of Nepal.
According to the response team, the earthquake has made all journeys very difficult, meaning that the distribution team, including local volunteers and members of the SAVN.tv film crew, took more than four hours to reach their destination, arriving at nightfall. The distribution centre was at a resort that usually hosts tourists looking to take part in activities such as bungee jumping and rafting. In recent years the area has become famous for its white-water rafting.
“Heavy bags of food had to be carried up some stairs and across a 160-metre-long footbridge – an exhausting job! The owner of the resort was very supportive, not only allowing the Salvation Army to use her facilities for storage and distribution but also accommodating and feeding the team overnight.
“The distribution was planned for late morning once the rest of the emergency team had arrived. Over the next few hours they distributed a total of 6,750kg rice, 1,125kg dhal, 450 litres of oil and 225kg of salt to 445 households in nine villages. All the villages are fairly remote which means many of the beneficiaries would have had to carry the food up the mountain for several hours. Despite these difficulties, however, the recipients were extremely grateful for the support they received,” the team said.
Damaris Frick, Field Operations Officer, International Emergency Services, International Headquarters, says: “I would like to express my gratitude to the international and local team members who are all working tirelessly, and also to the Salvation Army territories and other donors from all across the world who support this important work. Because of your generosity, 445 families will have something to eat tonight and for the coming days.”
The Salvation Army is an international movement and evangelical part of the universal Christian Church and has a professional record in rehabilitating and accommodating trafficking trade victims and addressing social injustice in a systematic, measured, proactive and Christian manner through its International Social Justice Commission.
ISSUED BY QUO VADIS COMMUNICATIONS ON BEHALF OF THE SALVATION ARMY
Media Contact: Ruth Coggin
Tel: 011-487-0026
Cell: 082-903-5819
Click here to e-mail Ruth
Client Contact: Major Carin Holmes
Public Relations Secretary
Tel: 011-718-6745
Cell: 082-994-4351
Click here to e-mail Carin
