More relief efforts for Yolanda victims

CEBU, Philippines - Cathay Pacific launched a series of relief efforts to benefit the victims of supertyphoon Yolanda, which includes a company-wide campaign and additional initiatives for its Yolanda-stricken staff and their immediate families.

The airline arranged ad-hoc chartered flights carrying 66,261 kg worth of relief goods, which were transported from the French government and will be distributed through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in Cebu. A second chartered flight also brought over 67,440 kg worth of relief goods from New York to Manila. In addition, two more chartered flights are expected to arrive in Cebu, transporting donations from Frankfurt and Hong Kong.

Cathay Pacific also donated 5,518 sets of sleep suits and 3,900 blankets from its inflight stock, which were sent through Cathay Pacific cargo and distributed through the Philippine National Red Cross.

Together with this, the company has also prepared inflight fundraising activities to allow its passengers to contribute to the campaign even while in transit.

Until November 30, passengers onboard Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights offered donations en route to their destinations. Proceeds will be used to provide therapeutic food for children, health kits, water, and hygiene necessities via Cathay Pacific and UNICEF's Change for Good program. Additional information were also disseminated to Asia Miles members on how they could further support its charity partners; including UNICEF and Red Cross, who are both actively engaged in Yolanda relief efforts.

Finally, the airline also conducted relief operations among its staff. A company-wide fundraiser was held until November 29 to raise financial support for Yolanda victims, the total amount of which will be matched by Cathay Pacific, thus doubling the overall donation figure. To date, the staff has already raised a total of   USD$ 108,386.00 with the number expected to increase at the end of the collection period.

Funds raised will go directly to the Hong Kong Red Cross, to work with International Red Cross to supply clean food and water, temporary shelter and other emergency relief materials to the affected area. To support this, Cathay Pacific will also be offering excess baggage allowance for Hong Kong Red Cross personnel flying to Cebu.

An additional voluntary fundraising activity-a local initiative of the Philippine staff-has also been set up to encourage Cathay Pacific employees to reach out to fellow staff members and their immediate families who have been directly affected by the supertyphoon. (FREEMAN)