National Bank makes big donation for tsunami relief

The National Bank has donated NZ$100,000 (US$70,500 approx) for New Zealand Cricket's Tsunami Relief Fund which will serve as a launch for the National Bank Series between New Zealand and the FICA World XI.

All proceeds from the three games will be directed to NZC's fundraising partner World Vision and Cricket Aid, an initiative of the Sri Lankan board to provide emergency relief and longer-term housing for Sri Lankan families and orphans.

Reacting to the development, Martin Snedden, NZC's chief executive, said: "We are delighted that The National Bank has contributed so generously to the fund," he said. "The establishment of the fund and the immediate support for it from The National Bank gives New Zealand Cricket tremendous confidence that our fundraising events around the series between the Black Caps and the FICA World XI are going to be successful."

Cynthia Brophy, the National Bank's corporate affairs manager, was equally upbeat. "It's great to work with New Zealand Cricket on this," she said. "The Bank's involvement in this project is in addition to the NZ$120,000 (US$84,500 approx) that ANZ and The National Bank have donated to be divided among Red Cross, Oxfam and World Vision."