World Vision New Zealand is to donate $48,000 to help support the estimated tens of thousands Sri Lankan civilians who are fleeing the conflict between government troops and the Tamil Tigers in the northeast of the country.
The donation came from funds raised by New Zealanders during 40 Hour Famine weekends, a portion of which was set aside to provide immediate humanitarian and emergency assistance.
World Vision NZ's acting chief executive, Les Stephenson, said there was clearly great need in Sri Lanka among people affected by the conflict, particularly the children.
"World Vision staff are urgently responding on the ground and once again generous New Zealanders who support the World Vision 40 Hour Famine are able to stand shoulder to shoulder with those in need at this time through the funds we will donate." The donation comes in response to an urgent call to all World Vision support offices to raise at least US$3 million ($NZ5.33m) for humanitarian relief assistance in Sri Lanka, Mr Stephenson said.
An additional US$7 million was needed to help survivors return and rehabilitate them in their homes and villages.
About 200,000 internally displaced men, women and children have arrived in camps in the north since the most recent mass exodus began on April 20, 2009 from a tiny enclave held by the Tamil Tigers into Government-held territory. Aid agencies have estimated that another 50,000 people were still trapped inside the enclave.
More than 120,000 New Zealanders are currently preparing to take part in the 2009 World Vision 40 Hour Famine from May 22 to 24, with proceeds going towards fighting malnutrition in the developing world.
