ANZ donates K72,000 to help Cyclone Tomas victims

ANZ group has donated FJ$50,000 (K72,140) to Red Cross Fiji for relief and recovery efforts for Cyclone Tomas victims.
The bank is also accepting public donations through its branch networks in Fiji to help the Red Cross relief efforts.
ANZ Pacific chief executive officer Michael Rowland said villages were devastated with many families losing their homes, crops and belongings.
Mr Rowland said: “It’s difficult times for the victims and we are supporting customers and businesses to get back on their feet for the good of the community in general.
“All the ANZ branches in Fiji, including Savusavu and Labasa, with the ATM, internet and phone banking facilities will be operating as usual to help the people.”
Mr Rowland said more than 25,000 customers were from rural areas and hoped the donation to Red Cross would help relief efforts.
Fiji ANZ CEO Norman Wilson said the rural banking team was an important part of communities impacted by Cyclone Tomas.
“We understand the challenges and sufferings they are undergoing. We wish to encourage our customers to stay in touch and provide updates on their personal circumstances.
“Some of the assistance will be tailored to individual needs and may include waiving rural banking fees for March and April, interest-only repayments for business and personal loans for up to three months, waiving fees associated with replacement of damaged business EFTPOS/credit card terminals and waiving early withdrawal costs for term deposits,” he said.