Westpac has announced today it has committed A$100,000 (SBD$780, 000) to the Vanuatu Red Cross to support disaster-affected regions.
Westpac Bank in a statement early this week said, this financial assistance will enable the Red Cross to respond quickly to immediate needs such as food and clean water as well as the longer-term rebuilding and recovery of areas hit by Cyclone Pam.
Greg Pawson, General Manager Westpac Pacific, said: “At Westpac, we have a long history of helping communities across the Pacific in times of need.
“The impact of this natural disaster is without precedent in Vanuatu and as a major corporation in the country, Westpac is committed to supporting the local community and our employees through this period.
“To support the communities affected by this natural disaster, Westpac Vanuatu intends to make a donation of $100,000 to the Vanuatu Red Cross to support the immediate relief and humanitarian efforts underway,” he said.
The Westpac branch in Port Vila is open for restricted trading hours to assist customers with accessing cash and are working with customers to service other payable and receivable needs including telegraphic transfers.
Westpac has dedicated teams working to overcome any delays and restored banking services to full capacity to ensure people can access their money at this critical time.