Swire Group and Cathay Pacific Group Donate HK$5 Million to Support Unicef Relief Efforts in Qinghai

The Swire Group Charitable Trust and the Cathay Pacific Group today presented a combined donation of HK$5 million to support UNICEF relief efforts in Qinghai, the western China province left devastated after an earthquake on 14 April.

The donation includes around HK$1 million given by local and overseas staff working in Cathay Pacific, Dragonair and other Cathay Pacific subsidiaries, including Cathay Pacific Catering Services, Cathay Holidays, Hong Kong Airport Services and Vogue Laundry. Every dollar raised through staff donations has been matched by the Cathay Pacific Group.

The funds presented to UNICEF also include around HK$1.5 million from the Change for Good inflight fundraising programme, with donations collected from passengers on Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights between 23 April and 7 May. These inflight donations have been matched by The Swire Group Charitable Trust.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong, who presented the cheque to representatives from the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF today, said: "Thanks to the generous support of our passengers and staff, we are pleased to be able to support UNICEF's important work to provide relief to those living in earthquake-affected areas. We sincerely hope that those affected by the disaster, particularly the young and vulnerable, will be able to resume a normal life as quickly as possible."

Chairman of the Regular Fundraising Committee, Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF, Corina Wong said: "On behalf of UNICEF and those children affected by the Qinghai earthquake, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to The Swire Group Charitable Trust and the Cathay Pacific Group for their generous support. UNICEF is very concerned about the situation in Qinghai after the devastating earthquake. This valuable contribution will provide UNICEF with more resources to carry out emergency and recovery work in Qinghai, helping to minimise any adverse impact on vulnerable young people."

The Swire Group Charitable Trust and the Cathay Pacific Group have both previously provided support to help relief efforts following other major natural disasters in the region, including cash donations, staff fundraising efforts and services rendered. In the aftermath of the Sichuan earthquake in 2008, the Swire group's relief efforts were valued at approximately HK$31 million, of which more than HK$20 million came from the Cathay Pacific Group. The latter also raised more than HK$7 million in 2005 to help those affected by the Asian tsunami.

Cathay Pacific is committed to making a contribution to the communities it serves through a variety of corporate programmes and the efforts of its staff volunteering team. The airline won the Total Caring Award 2009/10, the top award under the Caring Company Scheme, organised by the Hong Kong Council of Social Services to recognise companies that demonstrate a continual and sustainable total commitment in corporate social responsibility efforts. Dragonair has been awarded the Caring Company logo for five consecutive years.

Cathay Pacific Director Corporate Affairs Quince Chong (far left) presented a cheque for HK$5 million to (from left) Chairman of the Regular Fundraising Committee Corina Wong, Council Member Dr Maggie Koong and Chief Executive Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF Irene Chan. The donation will be used to aid UNICEF's work in providing relief to those affected by the Qinghai earthquake.

High-resolution photos are available to download as part of this release from the
Press Room in the About Us section of the Cathay Pacific's website