CEO Andrew Ferrier said: “We have also launched a Fonterra Earthquake Relief Fund to enable our 10,500 farmer-shareholders and 16,000 staff to make personal donations. Fonterra will match what they give, dollar for dollar, up to a further $1m.
Fonterra is also installing five large milk vats filled with fresh water as part of its ongoing effort to get water to the New Zealand city. Ferrier says the vats will be installed in locations around the city as recommended by Civil Defence, and filled with water by Fonterra tankers.
“Having these vats will give more people access to the water they desperately need,” said Ferrier. “We will have a tanker on standby to refill the vats as the water gets taken. We’ve already supplied over 400,000 litres of water and we’re working with Civil Defence to get more to people in need as quickly as possible.
“We’re filling up large containers used to transport milk by rail. These can hold 21,000 litres each. We’re dropping them at the school centres in line with Civil Defence directions. We have an additional 22 of these containers around the South Island, and our people on the ground are coordinating with Civil Defence to get these to communities in Christchurch as quickly as possible.”
Ferrier said Fonterra would also be delivering UHT milk and bottled water to relief centres in Christchurch as it’s needed. Fonterra farmers around Christchurch had largely come through the earthquake unscathed. There was no major damage to Fonterra sites and the co-op was collecting and processing milk as normal.
“Our farmers are keen to help in any way they can,” added Ferrier. “Civil Defence has advised that people are desperate for emergency accommodation, so we’re collecting the details of local farmers with spare beds.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Christchurch, and we will continue to do all we can to help at this difficult time.”
Source: Fonterra
© FoodBev Media Ltd 2024