New Zealand kiwifruit marketer Zespri has donated NZ$100,000 to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal to support those affected by the devastating event.
“Our hearts go out to Christchurch residents and visitors who have been affected by this tragedy,” said Zespri chief financial officer Merv Dallas. “In considering how Zespri could assist, we felt a significant cash contribution would be the most effective means of support, and we’ll pay this through to the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal on the 4th of March,” he added.
Japanese supermarket operator Aeon will also support the cause pledging to donate JP¥1 (NZ$0.01) for every kiwifruit sold in 1200 of its stores, to the Christchurch Relief Fund. In addition a group of Aeon companies donated around NZ$165,000 to the New Zealand embassy last month.
“We are very humbled by this gesture from Aeon, who is likely to sell around 2.5m kiwifruit or packs of kiwifruit during this period,” said Mr Dallas. “Unfortunately Japan is connected to this tragedy through a number of Japanese people who were present in Christchurch at the time of the quake, some of whom are still missing, and our thoughts are also with their families and friends,” he said.
“This event in New Zealand has reminded us of the earthquake that hit Kobe in 1995 and the terrible impact that had on that city, and also of the 1987 Edgecumbe earthquake, which impacted many kiwifruit growers in the Bay of Plenty,” added Mr Dallas.
“It has also been most humbling to see the international teams that have come to New Zealand to assist in the rescue and recovery with teams from Japan, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Australia, USA, Mexico and Britain to name a few.”
Zespri’s in-market teams in Asia and Europe are working with New Zealand Embassy staff on how they can support the Appeal.
Zespri is also providing unused boxes to supermarkets and collection points to assist with transporting of food and other items, and is encouraging staff to wear red and black tomorrow and contribute a donation towards the relief fund.
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