Australian Red Cross has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Broadcasting Corporation will raise funds for its work in disaster relief and recovery in its first ever New Year's Eve Broadcast Appeal.
Director of Australian Programs Noel Clement says funds raised will go to Red Cross' Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, to help Red Cross teams give people the support they need in emergencies.
"The partnership with Australia's national emergency services broadcaster will result in much-needed support for those in the worst-affected communities," he says.
"ABC audiences have proved to be incredibly generous in the past when they have partnered with us to seek funds for our work," Mr Clement says. "The ABC's decision to mount an appeal across its TV, radio and digital platforms will reach an audience of more than four million people in Australia and many millions more where people access the ABC in more than 80 countries internationally.
"People have been deeply moved by the scale of the losses in the recent disasters and want to do what they can to help. They can be assured that by supporting our work in disaster relief and recovery we can continue to be there where and when they happen.
"Their donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery helps our emergency teams to do their work – including the bushfires and heatwaves we're currently seeing, and disasters yet to come. It also currently includes recovery programs, practical support and emergency grants in communities affected by the recent bushfires."
People will be able to donate to Red Cross Disaster Relief and Recovery work at www.redcross.org.au/NYE or 1800 RED CROSS.
