Cathay Pacific quake aid for Nepal tops HK$10mn

The Cathay Pacific Group has announced that the value of its contribution to the Nepal earthquake relief effort has topped HK$10mn.Soon after the earthquake hit Nepal on April 25 this year, the Cathay Pacific Group and its seven wholly owned subsidiaries launched a two-week staff appeal to raise funds for the victims of the earthquake. Together with the company’s pledge to match the final amount donated by the staff, the total cash donation has been rounded up to HK$3.4mn.Through Change for Good, the Cathay Pacific inflight fundraising programme, a further HK$2.6mn was collected from passengers on both Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights. All the proceeds have been directed to support Unicef Hong Kong’s relief efforts and to build community resilience in Nepal. The projects have supplied shelters and clean water to families and children, and ensured the supply of hygiene kits and vaccines to help prevent the outbreak of diseases. In addition to the cash donation, Cathay Pacific and Dragonair gave free support to a number of local and overseas charities in sending rescue teams and relief supplies to the affected areas. These organisations included Hong Kong Red Cross, World Vision Hong Kong, Crossroads Foundation and Post Crisis Counseling Network. The Group’s support in this area has an estimated value of HK$4mn.Cathay Pacific Airways country manager Qatar, Nick Brooks, thanked all staff and passengers for their generosity and their support.