About Us
ReliefAid is an international humanitarian organisation with a vision of saving lives and alleviating suffering of people affected by armed conflict and natural disasters through independent and impartial humanitarian action.
Our work includes:
- accessing conflict affected countries, such as Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan in areas where few aid agencies are able or willing to operate
- providing life-saving aid, such as shelter materials (blankets, tarpaulins, cooking sets and children’s clothing), food and medical supplies to families in war zones and those affected by natural disasters who otherwise wouldn’t receive any assistance
- working directly on the ground, in the places aid is most needed and least accessible
- supporting children in their education, providing hope for the future
- mentoring the next generation of aid workers
- speaking out on behalf of the men, women and children whose voices are often silenced by conflict
ReliefAid’s actions are driven by the principle of independence and impartiality. Our life-saving humanitarian action is provided on the basis of need, irrespective of religious and political beliefs, race and gender.
ReliefAid relies solely on private donations. We do not receive any funding from governmental sources and are a registered charity with the New Zealand Charities Commission.
Why ReliefAid is effective
ReliefAid has the experience and networks to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance where it is most needed, in places where other aid organisations cannot or will not operate.
- ReliefAid has proven experience – we have successfully provided humanitarian assistance in conflict zones since 2015.
- We have proven experience in warzones and natural disasters – our staff have successfully delivered humanitarian assistance in Syria, Yemen, South Sudan, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, Turkmenistan, Turkey and Ukraine.
- We have existing networks – we have the ability to immediately mobilise on-ground networks to reach those inaccessible to other aid organisations.
- Direct action – we are directly involved in the delivery of our humanitarian assistance overseeing all operations.
Why war zones?
Despite fewer wars being experienced globally an intensification of violence has lead to a larger number of people being displaced from their homes.
Over 100 million people are currently displaced due to conflict with civilian populations overwhelmingly paying the price.
Those displaced are often isolated, vulnerable and without the services required for basic life support.
Support from the international community has in some cases provided relief but needs greatly outstrip the support being provided.
ReliefAid’s Board
Founder, Mike Seawright
Mike, following a decade of experience working in conflict affected countries and frustrated by the inability of many aid organisations to get staff and resources into conflict zones, founded ReliefAid in late 2014.
Read and hear Mike in the media.
Trustee, Joanne Hill
Joanne is a financial and operational specialist having worked in New Zealand and abroad. She is driven to make a difference for families who faced by war’s not of their making have nowhere else to turn. She has daughters, Zoe and Ava and lives in Auckland.
Trustee, Simon Foote QC
Simon is a barrister practising international commercial and investment treaty arbitration and domestic commercial litigation and arbitration at Bankside Chambers, Auckland and Singapore. He is passionate about making a difference to innocent victims in dire situations as a result of war. He has two children, Charlotte and Barnaby and lives in Auckland.
Want to know more? Download the ReliefAid FactSheet or Contact Us.