We Support: Earthquake Relief

In February of 2018 a 7.5 magnitude PNG Highlands earthquake resulted in several homes and crops lost. Working together with Oil Search Foundation (OSF) and Brian Bell Group the Sir Brian Bell Foundation distributed more than 1500 restoration packs to assist those affected and the Brian Bell Group stepped in to hold a special in store event which saw customers given the opportunity to purchase items at 15% off storewide with 100% of profits raised on the day to go towards putting together relief packs containing digging and cutting tools, crop seeds and water storage equipment.

 Brian Bell Group chairman, Ian Clough, acknowledged the support of their customers and thanked OSF and Oil Search for helping with the distribution. “As a proud Papua New Guinean company that has been part of the community for over 60 years, we feel responsible for contributing in whatever way we can to help the response when natural disasters such as the PNG Highlands earthquake occur. I acknowledge all of our many customers who shopped with us during the Earthquake Appeal Day on Friday, April 13 this year and the OSF team for supporting distribution,” said Mr. Clough.

The remote and rugged terrain and lack of roads to remote communities in earthquake-ravaged areas have made it difficult to reach and provide support to those most in need. Oil Search Foundation assisted Brian Bell and Sir Brian Bell Foundation to coordinate the distribution using Oil Search logistics capabilities. Helicopters helped to deliver packs to remote communities not linked by roads.

An Oil Search Foundation manager overseeing the distribution, Jenny Alpa, “Recipients were grateful for the packs provided which contained supplies needed to rebuild their homes and gardens.

The Sir Brian Bell Foundation also provided support to St John Ambulance medical teams and the Health Department to assist in recovery efforts deployed to earthquake-affected areas and purchased Satellite phones to allow communication with the teams in the field.

The deployment team worked tirelessly around the clock to organise logistics and put together necessary operational and medical resources for this operation. Commissioner Cannon says, “it is great to see the community coming together to show their support to the people in affected areas.” St John Ambulance is exceptionally thankful for a tremendous donation by the Sir Brian Bell Foundation to provide safety and logistical equipment to the Health Disaster Response Teams.