ANZ Pacific today donated AUD$50,000 to the Tonga Red Cross Society supporting its relief efforts to vulnerable families, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and severe Tropical Cyclone Harold. 

ANZ Tonga Country Head, David Dudley said the double crisis of dealing with the severe cyclone on top of the COVID-19 pandemic has meant many Tongans are now experiencing significant hardship and there are families in real need, where one or more caregiver has lost employment.

“This donation to the Red Cross is intended to help Tongan families in need to support each by providing healthy food, help them maintain good hygiene practices and social distancing."

He also encouraged customers to speak to the bank if they are experiencing difficulties in light of both COVID-19 and the cyclone, because they have announced a number of relief packages.

Meanwhile, Tonga Red Cross Secretary-General, Sione Taumoefolau thanked ANZ for its generous donation and initiative to support their relief and assistance programs delivery.

“Tonga Red Cross has been in Tonga almost 50-years now and it is part our work to prepare and respond to any emergencies like COVID-19 and severe TC Harold.

“This kind donation will help us a lot to alleviate those people who are suffering from these two events. This will include providing hygiene kits for vulnerable communities and families who cannot afford, so they are better prepared for COVID-19,” he said.

Pacific relief

The donation is part of the bank’s regional donation package of AUD$500,000 to assist eight Pacific countries in COVID-19 relief efforts.

ANZ Regional Executive/Pacific, Tessa Price said combating the spread of COVID-19 is a regional challenge and ANZ is playing its role to support their customers and communities.

“The Pacific Islands are closely connected and we need to work together to stop the spread of COVID-19 but recovering from the impacts of cyclone Harold, makes social distancing challenging. ANZ hopes this donation goes some way to combating these challenges.”