Cathay Pacific Group Contributes More Than HK$13 Million to the Japan Earthquake Relief

Cathay Pacific Group announced today it will contribute 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 today. Also present at the ceremony was Consul-General of Japan Yuji Kumamaru.

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."

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."

Mr Kumamaru said: "On behalf of those affected by the disaster, I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone at the Cathay Pacific Group and the Swire Group Charitable Trust for their amazing fundraising efforts and for the kind solidarity they have shown towards the Japanese people in their time of need."

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.

Breakdown of Cathay Pacific Group Contributions for Japan Earthquake Relief

Cathay Pacific presents a cheque of HK$10 million to the Hong Kong Red Cross for Japan Earthquake Operation. In this photo, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive John Slosar (left), Hong Kong Red Cross Director Lady Wu (middle) and Consul-General of Japan Yuji Kumamaru.