Suncorp New Zealand has donated $30,000 to the New Zealand Red Cross’ Pacific Tsunami Appeal, which will aid Tonga and other affected Pacific Islands nations that have been affected by the devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami on Jan. 16.
The eruption and its aftermath caused three fatalities in Tonga, and around 84,000 people have been affected. Many homes have been damaged and the water supply in some areas has been contaminated. The agriculture industry was also affected, with damage to the crops, livestock and fisheries sectors.
“Although Suncorp doesn’t sell insurance in Tonga, we’re proud to lend a helping hand to assist the Red Cross to provide immediate support and supplies to those who need it,” said Suncorp New Zealand CEO Jimmy Higgins. “Our thoughts are with the people of Tonga and with our Suncorp employees in New Zealand and Australia who have loved ones in Tonga. With communications down in Tonga for the first five days following the event, it has been a harrowing experience for those attempting to contact family and friends in Tonga to check that they were okay.”
Higgins said that supporting local community groups or specialist aid agencies is a core part of Suncorp’s community investment programme, and this ensures that donations are going to organisations that have the capability to help with both the immediate crisis and the longer-term recovery.
