AIA NZ team run for India COVID-19 relief

With US$2.5 million donated by AIA Group, and $30,000 from the Australian and New Zealand businesses, the NZ team ran or walked 5 kms around the Smales Farm precinct in Takapuna as part of a global initiative to provide much needed supplies to India’s worst hit regions.

“I’m proud of our team for getting out there and helping raise awareness of the situation in India,” says Angela Busby, Chief Strategy Officer. “It’s hard watching the humanitarian crisis unfold, but by coming together we can help make a real difference, and save lives.”

Around 150 of the team took part in the global initiative Relief Run, co-created by Australian AIA Vitality Ambassador and endurance athlete Samantha Gash, which last year raised more than AU$1 million in support of Australian bushfire relief efforts.

The Relief Run was supported in New Zealand by AIA NZ Vitality Ambassadors Dame Valerie Adams and Ian Jones.

“It was great to get out there with the AIA NZ whānau and pound the pavement to support Relief Run and the people of India,” says Ian Jones, AIA Vitality Ambassador. “The team rallied to the challenge, completing the course in great spirits.”   

All the funds raised by Relief Run will go towards the World Vision’s COVID-19 India crisis appeal, which is sourcing equipment and supplies including beds, oxygen concentrators, food vouchers and tents for temporary COVID-19 care centres.

“The people of India are crying out for help,” says Ross McLeod, Partnership & Development Manager, World Vision NZ. “Every step taken and every kilometre walked helps. The funds will make a real difference to someone in need, providing desperately needed oxygen supplies, hospital beds and other essential medical and economic support across India.”

For more information and to donate, check out the Relief Run website.

About AIA New Zealand

AIA New Zealand is a leading life insurer with almost 40 years’ experience in the New Zealand market and is part of the AIA Group, the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. With a unique customer value proposition focused on life, health and wellbeing, AIA New Zealand’s purpose is to make a difference in people’s lives.