Offers of help from Otago people for survivors of the Victorian bushfires continue to flow into the Otago Daily Times' offices.
The ODT on Wednesday published a story featuring Dunedin woman Barbara Wilson, who offered to open her home to those left homeless in the wake of the fires.
Since then, more than 50 people have contacted the newspaper making similar offers.
The New Zealand Red Cross yesterday emphasised cash donations were of the highest priority at this stage, but said the offers of accommodation were "overwhelming".
"It's a great idea.
''We've had a number of offers of accommodation from throughout New Zealand and it's something we may possibly be able to co-ordinate in the future," New Zealand Red Cross communications adviser Kelly Mitchell said yesterday.
"[But] New Zealand Red Cross is only able to accept financial donations, and asks that people . . . [offer] cash rather than clothing (new or used), goods of any kind or offers of voluntary assistance [which] are not immediately helpful in this disaster situation."
Donations from the New Zealand public to the Red Cross bushfire fund had by yesterday afternoon raised more than $579,000 and, combined with a New Zealand Government commitment of $500,000, the 2009 Victoria Bushfire Fund totalled more than $1 million.
The ODT is collating the names and addresses of people offering accommodation, which will be forwarded to the New Zealand Red Cross in the next few days.
Various agencies, including the Dunedin City Council and Tourism Dunedin, are also working with the ODT to establish how the offers of help from Otago people can best be utilised.
If you wish to add your contact details to the list, please email our appeal co-ordinator Tina Stevens at tina.stevens@alliedpress.co.nz
To donate to the New Zealand Red Cross bushfire fund, you can make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 33200, send a cheque to Australian Bushfire Appeal, Red Cross House, PO Box 12140, Thorndon, Wellington, 6144, donate at any New Zealand Red Cross service centre, or go to www.redcross.org.nz and follow the prompts.
New Zealand Red Cross will transfer 100% of all donations into the 2009 Victoria Bushfire Fund and will not deduct any administration, banking or transaction fees costs.
