Press Kit

Press Kit
THE OFFICIAL NEW ZEALAND & PACIFIC ISLAND LDS RESOURCE
FOR NEWS MEDIA, OPINION LEADERS AND THE PUBLIC.



Humanitarian Service

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints works worldwide to relieve human suffering and to promote self-reliance among all people. Assistance is provided without regard to race, nationality, or religion.

In the past seventeen years (1985-2002), the Church provided assistance valued at more than NZ$830 million. During this time, over 40,000 tonnes of food, 5,200 tonnes of medical equipment, 52,000 tonnes of clothing and 4,500 tonnes of educational supplies, plus NZ$160 million in cash donations have been distributed. Aid is given through existing agencies, such as Catholic Relief, and the Salvation Army or through the newly-established Latter-day Saint Charities, in over 150 countries.

The Church also gives ongoing support to disadvantaged areas to improve literacy, living conditions and medical services through senior couples called to serve in countries where there is the greatest need for these services.

The following is a list of some of the most recent humanitarian service projects conducted by the Church worldwide:

  • Columbia Social Assistance 2003
  • Ethiopia Hungry relief 2003
  • Australian drought relief 2003
  • Europe Flood relief 2002
  • Australian drought relief 2003
  • Hurricane Isidore in Mexico relief 2002
  • Afghan refugees in Pakistan relief 2001
  • India earthquake relief 2001
  • El Salvador and Peru earthquake relief 2001
  • El Salvador flooding relief 2001
  • East and West Timor refugee relief 2000
  • Mozambique and Brazil flooding relief 2000
  • Belize hurricane relief 2000
  • Ethiopia famine relief 2000
  • Venezuela flooding relief 1999
  • Kosovar refugee relief - 1999
  • Hurricane Mitch relief 1998
  • North Korean crop failure - 1996-98
  • Midwest US flooding relief - 1993-97
  • Bosnia/Croatia/Serbia - 1994-96

The following is a list of some of the most recent humanitarian and charitable service projects funded by the Church in New Zealand.

  • $300,000 of books donated to libraries throughout New Zealand
  • Proceeds from tours by Church entertainment groups donated to various charities including World Vision, and Leukaemia Foundation
  • Christmas gifts for the poor and needy
  • $30,000 to Star Ship Children's Hospital
  • Free English classes for immigrants
  • $30,000 funds raised for Guide Dogs
  • Nearly 200 quilts for charities
  • Clothing and essentials to Women's Refuges