World Vision NZ CEO Chris Clarke's huge 'thank you' to the support given to refugees through the Forgotten Millions campaign. The generosity of Kiwis has ensured that the plight of millions of refugees has not gone unnoticed on this side of the world - with more than $1 million raised by New Zealanders to help. In March, the Forgotten Millions campaign, run by the Herald and World Vision, raised $436,000 for refugees.
A huge campaign that has already seen more than $1 million raised for the refugee crisis in the Middle East is set to reel in more sorely needed funds this weekend.
The Forgotten Millions campaign - a joint initiative between World Vision and the Herald - has brought in a huge amount of support from the New Zealand public over the past few months.
Kiwi journalist and Newstalk ZB host Rachel Smalley, who reported from refugee camps this year, is hosting a special Forgotten Millions gala dinner and auction tomorrow at the SkyCity Convention Centre in Auckland.
A total of 15 items have been donated by generous people and companies from around the country to be put up for live auction.
There are also 30 items up for grabs in a silent auction on the night and all funds raised will go to the campaign.
Smalley said the gala had attracted huge support from various businesses and companies, in particular.
But she praised ordinary members of the public who had put their hands up to donate to the cause following the release of poignant images and stories of refugees fleeing to Europe amid the Syrian refugee crisis this year.
Rachel Smalley with Roshdi as he talks to his mother. Photo / World Vision
"I think New Zealanders really connected with that. It's people, it is just families - people fleeing for their lives. And they wanted to do what they could to help," she said.
"The Serbia appeal has raised over $800,000, which makes my heart sing. I can't believe New Zealanders have backed this. They have been so generous. It's truly extraordinary."
Last month, the public donated up to $645,000 towards the Forgotten Millions campaign - taking the combined total of the fundraising effort to more than $1 million, after $436,000 was raised for refugees in the same campaign in March.
Smalley said she had seen what those in refugee camps were facing and encouraged people to continue to give.
"I think about all the people I've met in Turkey, Lebanon, Iraq, Serbia and Hungary this year and they are the people who will benefit and that's who I'll be thinking of on the night."
