The Milford Foundation has released $200,000 from its Emergency Relief Fund to support flood recovery in Wairoa following last week’s devastating flooding.
According to reports, more than 100 properties have been significantly damaged, and the recovery bill is expected to top $40 million, while locals are still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“This morning, the Foundation’s Trustees unanimously supported a $200,000 donation to provide recovery support to the Wairoa community,” says Milford Foundation Chair, Sarah Norrie.
“Since Cyclone Gabrielle last year, we have spent a lot of time getting to know the people of Wairoa. We know they are resilient, but they need all of our help right now.
“We want them to know that we’re still here, and that we’re asking others to dig deep too.”
Last year, Milford Foundation hosted a special fundraiser to support communities around New Zealand most affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, including Tahurimai Netball and Tapuae Sports Club in Wairoa.
“We are working with Mayor Little to determine the best use for the funding this time around,” says Norrie.
The $200,000 donation from Milford Foundation follows a public call for donations from the Wairoa District Council Mayoral Relief via a Give-a-Little page, which has raised close to $125,000 in days.
Since the Foundation’s inception just over three years ago, it has granted or committed to grant more than $6.7 million to its flagship partners and special projects.
This article was written in partnership with Milford.
