Oxfam International and Red Cross to Receive New Zealand Relief Grants The employees of Microsoft express their deepest sympathies to the hundreds of thousands of people whose lives and livelihoods have been affected by the Asian and East African tsunamis. In response to this tragic event, Microsoft has announced a commitment of NZ$5 million (U.S. $3.5 million) in financial support for relief and recovery efforts in the affected countries. As part of that commitment Microsoft New Zealand will contribute directly to Oxfam International and Microsoft will match New Zealand employee donations to Red Cross and Oxfam.

“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this terrible tragedy,” said Microsoft chief executive officer Steve Ballmer.  “Microsoft is committed to helping governments and relief organisations in the recovery effort through financial donations, technical resources and volunteer support.” Microsoft's donation will include NZ$ 2.9 million (US$2 million) in immediate corporate contributions to local and international relief agencies. The company projects that its matching of employee charitable contributions worldwide will provide an additional NZ$ 2.1 million (US$1.5) million in corporate donations to relief agencies. “The outpouring of concern and commitment from our employees has been phenomenal. Our people all around the world want to help,” Ballmer said. “If our employees contribute more than we are projecting, then our corporate donation would go up as well.” 

Microsoft New Zealand's Ross Peat said the company's financial contribution is an extension of relief efforts already underway by local Microsoft subsidiaries and employees in the affected region and around the world. “We are all deeply saddened by the devastating tsunami which hit our Asian neighbours and East Africa on Boxing Day, and empathise with the many people whose lives and livelihood have been seriously affected,” said Ross Peat. “Like many people, organisations and governments, we look to doing all we can to make a positive difference to the relief and recovery efforts in those areas.”

Peat said that Microsoft New Zealand is focusing its relief efforts through financial donations to two organisations: Oxfam International and Red Cross. He said Microsoft New Zealand has chosen these two relief organisations as its focus as they are already effectively active in all the affected areas and that their reach, on-the-ground experience, ability to organise funds for the tsunami relief effort, and their commitment to long-term recovery and reconstruction of the affected communities will benefit the lives of the many people affected by the tragedy. “We have provided direct financial assistance to Oxfam International.  They were among the first organisations off the mark with their particular relief efforts - from transporting the injured to hospital, collecting and identifying the victims, sending food packs and fresh water, medical supplies and temporary shelter.” Peat said. “Red Cross and Oxfam, will receive financial assistance through our employee donation and dollar for dollar corporate matching programme.”

Immediately following the disaster, Microsoft offices in the affected countries also worked to respond in concert with local non-profit organisations and other efforts on the ground.  To date, the company has assisted with funding, technical assistance and other resources in Indonesia through Palang Merah (Indonesian Red Cross); in Sri Lanka through Sarvodaya; in India through MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF); and in Thailand through the Office of the Prime Minister's Disaster Relief Fund.   
Apart from these in-country relief agencies, four other international organisations Red Cross, Oxfam CARE and UNICEF are among the non-profit organisations that will receive financial grants for their tsunami relief efforts from Microsoft Corporation.

Individuals who wish to learn more about how they can contribute may visit http://www.microsoft.com or http://www.msn.com for a list of agencies actively involved in the relief efforts. The Web sites direct the public to over 55 agencies, including the American Red Cross and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, CARE, Doctors Without Borders, and UNICEF.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

#########

Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

For more information, New Zealand press only:
Carol Leishman, Communications Manager, Microsoft New Zealand,
Email: carolle@microsoft.com, Ph: 09-357 5806 or 021 636 607

Gabrielle Tourelle, Text 100 New Zealand Ltd,
Email: gabrielle.tourelle@text100.co.nz  Ph: Microsoft Press Office line: 09-357 5844 or 021 800 155

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft New Zealand Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/nz/ on Microsoft's corporate information pages.