This pony being rescued from floodlands is an enduring image of the trauma caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Cyclone Gabrielle Equine Relief Fund for individual support has resulted in $91,002.11 in donations being distributed among all of the 32 applicants who applied.  This completes the second phase of the Equine Relief Fund which has focused on individuals who have been adversely effected by the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle, after an initial distribution of money to businesses affected.  A breakdown follows:

Individual Applications                                  

*Vets                                                                  

Feed (including transportation costs)        

Farriers                                                              

Deceased equines                                             

Riding Clubs and Pony Clubs                     

Total monetary donations              

$91,002.11

$67,500.00

$25,444.25

  $7,500.00

  $5,000.00

$14,000.00

$210,446.50

*(includes Vets One, Vets First, Vet Services Waipukurau and Massey Vets).

CEO Julian Bowden says further donations of $770.34 received after the application window closed have led to a mammoth total of $211,216.84, showing the overwhelming generosity of supporters.

“The balance will be going to support the mental health and wellbeing of our Hawke’s Bay vets that have been severely impacted by what they saw through the devastation Cyclone Gabrielle created for our equines,” he says.

“Again, and from the bottom of our hearts, we thank all those benevolent people, here and abroad, who have brought some ease to those who have suffered.  Your compassion has been greatly appreciated.”