Insurer QBE has dipped into its new disaster relief and climate resilience fund to help support those affected by the catastrophic fires raging across New South Wales and Queensland.
QBE has allocated $100,000 from its new disaster relief and climate resilience fund to boost the Red Cross’s bushfire relief and recovery efforts.
This was the first allocation of funding under QBE’s three-year tie-up with the Red Cross and Save the Children, which is designed to support the rapid mobilisation of support for disaster relief activities in response to catastrophic events.
“In the wake of disaster, our priority is the safety, wellbeing, and ultimately, the recovery of our customers and the communities in which they live,” said Pat Regan, QBE Group CEO. “These funds will support the extraordinary work the Red Cross is doing on the ground and in evacuation centres, providing care and support for devastated communities.”
Regan said QBE would also match donations to the Red Cross bushfire appeal from its employees, on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
Vivek Bhatia, QBE Australia Pacific CEO said additional resources had already been deployed to ensure insurance claims arising from the recent bushfires could be handled as quickly as possible.
“Following disaster, we know that our customers need their insurer to respond quickly and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them to help pick up the pieces,” Bhatia said. “Our teams are ready to go.
“If you need to make a claim due to bushfire damage, please contact us as soon as you’re safe and able to do so. We’ll confirm your cover and start any assessment process immediately.”
