Cathay extends relief assistance

MANILA, Philippines - Cathay Pacific has launched a series of relief efforts to benefit the victims of Super Typhoon Yolanda, including 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 kilograms of relief goods, which were transported from the French government and to 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 in-flight stock, which were sent through Cathay Pacific cargo and distributed through the Philippine Red Cross.

The company also conducted in-flight fundraising activities to allow its passengers to contribute to the campaign even while in transit.

Until Nov. 30, passengers onboard Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights offered their donations en route to their destinations.

The 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 will also be disseminated to Asia Miles members on how they can further support charity partners, including UNICEF and Red Cross, which are both actively engaged in Yolanda relief efforts.

The airline also conducted relief operations among its staff. A company-wide fundraiser was held until Nov. 29, raising $108,386, for financial support for Yolanda victims, the total amount of which will be matched by Cathay Pacific, thus doubling the overall donation.

The funds raised will go directly to the Hong Kong Red Cross, to work with the International Red Cross to supply clean food and water, temporary shelter and other emergency relief materials to the typhoon-affected areas.

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 – was also set up to encourage Cathay Pacific employees to reach out to fellow staff members and their immediate families directly affected by the typhoon.