Cathay Pacific Contributes to Japan Earthquake Relief

 Cathay Pacific has contributed more than HK$13 million to help those affected by the earthquake and tsunami that struck northeast Japan on 11 March.

The donation came mainly from a staff appeal run by the companies under the Cathay Pacific Group, including the two airlines Cathay Pacific and Dragonair, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, Hong Kong Airport Services and Vogue Laundry.

A cheque of HK$10 million was presented by Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar to the Hong Kong Red Cross on Wednesday.

Mr Slosar said, “We have been deeply moved by the plight of the people of Japan affected by the natural catastrophes. We hope that our contribution will help them to rebuild their lives. Red Cross has been our partner in reaching out to those in need in the community and we are pleased to work with them once again in this endeavour.”

During the Cathay Pacific Group-wide appeal, staff raised more than HK$4.1 million which was then matched by the Group dollar-for- dollar. Another HK$800,000 was raised from various fundraising initiatives organised by staff and departments on a voluntary basis. Meanwhile, the Swire Group Charitable Trust pledged HK$1 million to the fundraising initiative.

The Cathay Pacific Group has also channeled to the UNICEF Japan Committee relief efforts a donation of more than HK$1.9 million collected from passengers through the “Change for Good” inflight fundraising programme.

The Group has also donated tens of thousands of useful items to Japan and offered free air tickets and freight shipments to relief organisations and Government departments, with a total value of HK$1.3 million. The donated items, including blankets, socks and towels, were flown to Tochigi prefecture for distribution to the affected areas with the help of Cathay Pacific’s Tokyo team and the local authorities.

Director of the Hong Kong Red Cross Lady Wu said, “We sincerely thank the Cathay Pacific Group and its staff for their generosity. Together with their donation, we have received more than HK$124 million so far. All donations collected for the Japan Earthquake and Tsunami 2011 operation will be used to support the Red Cross relief, recovery and disaster preparedness works in Japan.”

See recent travel news from: Travel News Asia, CX, Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong, Red Cross, Japan