GSK responds to devastation in Vanuatu

GSK today has announced it will be providing a monetary donation of £50,000 (~AUD 97,000) to international children’s charity Save the Children Australia to support relief efforts following the trail of destruction left by Cyclone Pam. 

The tropical cyclone which made landfall in Port Vila on Friday is one of the worse natural disasters to hit the Pacific Island states. 

General Manager for GSK Australia Geoff McDonald said “We have had a partnership with Save the Children for many years. Their immediate response on the ground to identify priority areas of need was exemplary. I am proud we can work together to support those impacted by the devastation.” 

Responding to news of the donation Paul Ronalds, CEO of Save the Children said, “On behalf of the people recovering from devastating Cyclone Pam, Save the Children thanks GSK for their generous contribution. It’s tremendous when a company like GSK steps up and provides support of this nature at such a critical time. This money will go a long way in providing life-saving aid to children and families in Vanuatu.” 

As the devastation across the South Pacific becomes more apparent it is clear the road to recovery will be long. 
"This is just the start of a much larger and broader humanitarian relief operation. We're going to do everything we can to reach as many people as possible with the aid they need to survive," says Tom Skirrow, Save the Children's Vanuatu Country Director. 

GSK will continue to work with Save the Children Australia and its other humanitarian relief partners to support relief efforts where possible. 

Anyone who would like to support Save the Children’s relief efforts can do so by donating to the organisation’s Cyclone Pam Appeal – www.savethechildren.org.au/donatecyclonepam or 1800 76 00 11 

Notes to editor:

Fast Facts – The impact of Cyclone Pam 
(Source: Save the Children Australia) 
• Category five Cyclone Pam – the worst storm to ever hit Vanuatu – struck the island nation late on Friday 13 March 2015. 
• The devastating cyclone has so far claimed 24 lives and severely damaged up to 90 percent of buildings on Efate, Vanuatu's main island. 
• Crops have also been destroyed and food shortages are a major concern. Save the Children predict emergency food supplies will be needed for at least a month. 
• It is estimated there are up to 75,000 children are in urgent need of food, water and shelter.

Media contacts: