15 March 2011 – The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has been appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate Singapore’s relief efforts to Japan.

A total of S$500,000 has been given to the SRC to kick-start Singapore’s procurement of relief items for the survivors of the recent Japan disaster.

The relief items that the SRC will be procuring and sent to Japan within the next 48 hours include blankets, collapsible water containers, mattresses and bottled water. These items were requested by H.E.Yoichi Suzukii, Japanese Ambassador to Singapore.

Since this afternoon, the SRC has made available more channels for the public to make donations to its “Japan Disaster 2011” fund. To date, a total of S$100,000 have been received through donations via cash, cheque and mobile giving. .

The SRC is accepting monetary donations only. All donations made to the “Japan Disaster 2011” appeal will be earmarked specifically for the relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for survivors of this disaster. Donors are advised that there will not be any tax deductions for donations made to this appeal.

Donors who wish to make a donation may do so through the following:

a) Cash Donations
Donors may make a cash donation at the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane (5 mins from Dhoby Gaut MRT Station) during these opening hours:
• Mondays to Fridays 9.30am to 9pm
• Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays 9.30am to 6pm

b) Cheque Donations
Cheque donations to be made payable to the “Singapore Red Cross Society” and sent to the Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486.. Please indicate at the back of the cheque the following:
• Japan Disaster 2011
• Name of donor/organization
• Contact numbers
• Address

c) SMS Mobile Giving
Donors may donate via their mobile phones by sending a text message "REDCROSS" to 75772. For every sms received, S$50 will be donated to the “Japan Disaster 2011” fund.

d) AXS Stations
Donors may also make their donations at various outlets of the AXS Stations.

Several banks have also come forward to make available their internet banking, ATM and phone banking services. These include:

e) OCBC donation channels

Donors may make their donations via OCBC multiple banking channels. These include the ATM, Internet Banking, Mobile Banking, Phone Banking, PLUS! Internet Banking and PLUS! Phone Banking. Please refer to Annex 1 for the user guide.

f) DBS donation channels
Donors may make their donations via DBS’s ATM and Internet Banking. Please refer to their website at www.dbs.com.sg for information.

g) UOB donation channels
Donors may also make their donations via UOB’s Personal Internet Banking with effect from Wednesday, 16 March. Please refer to Annex 2 for the user guide or their website at www.uob.com.sg.

For more information on the work of the SRC, the IFRC and the JRCS, please visit the, www.redcross.org and www.ifrc.org

Ms Carol Teo
Head, Corporate Communications
Tel: 6336-0269 x 272 / Mobile: 9732-8052
Email: carol.teo@redcross.org.sg