Christchurch earthquake appeal

New Zealand prime minister John Key has announced the launch of a special appeal in response to the Christchurch earthquake.

The appeal is an official global fundraiser for the recovery effort in Christchurch and surrounding areas.  It has been launched by the government to reach as many people as possible around the world who wish to help and support Christchurch, and is open for donations from both private and government sources.

It’s easy to access the appeal through its own website.  People with a New Zealand bank account can donate through internet banking to the appeal’s Westpac account, and people in New Zealand can also donate through sending an SMS message.  There’s also a Facebook option.

The appeal launched by the prime minister is designed to complement the funds that have already been established within New Zealand by the Red Cross and Salvation Army, and the Christchurch mayoral relief fund.  Details of those are on the Civil Defence website.