ANZ Bank donates AUD $500,000 to help COVID-19 relief efforts in eight Pacific countries

ANZ Bank today announced it would donate AUD $500,000 to help COVID-19 relief efforts in eight Pacific countries.

Red Cross Fiji will receive $200,000 to support their relief efforts for families affected by the global pandemic and cyclone Harold.

ANZ Fiji Country Head, Saud Minam said the double crisis of dealing with cyclone Harold, on top of the global COVID-19 pandemic has meant many Fijians are experiencing significant hardship and there are families in real need, where one or more caregiver has lost employment.

ANZ Regional Executive for the Pacific Tessa Price said combating the spread of COVID-19 was a regional challenge and that ANZ is playing its role to support our customers and communities.

Director-General for the Red Cross in Fiji, Ilisapeci Rokotunidau, said the staff and volunteers felt overwhelmed by the donation.

The donation follows fee removals, interest rate reductions and loan repayment deferral options already offered by ANZ to support Pacific customers experiencing hardship due to COVID-19.