Australia’s national carrier Qantas, has renewed a three-year contract with the Australian Red Cross.
The Sydney-based airline has announced a new chapter in its support for the humanitarian organisation, through a multi-million dollar partnership, enabling it to bolster its response in emergencies.
QANTAS AND THE AUSTRALIAN RED CROSS
Australia’s national carrier has indeed supported the Red Cross for several decades.
Markus Svensson, CEO of Qantas Domestic said it was a proud partnership for the national carrier.
“For decades, Qantas and Australian Red Cross have worked together to support Australians in times of need.” said Svensson.
SUPPORTING HUMANITARIAN WORK
This partnership enables the organisation to mobilise personnel and resources in times of need.
The new three-year partnership will enable the Australian Red Cross’ personnel to travel around Australia for humanitarian work, thus reducing significant costs and facilitating a quicker response for communities in crisis.
“Connecting communities is at the heart of both organisations, and this investment will make a tangible impact to Australians impacted by disasters with more trained volunteers that can be deployed on the ground, at speed through Qantas’ extensive network.” Svensson said.
HELPING IN A CRISIS
This commitment by Qantas follows the Red Cross celebrating 110 years of being there to support communities in times of disaster.
This funding will certainly help Australia’s Red Cross to continue its focus on delivering services well into the future by funding the recruitment and training of 750 new volunteers across the country.
Penny Harrison, Deputy CEO of the Australian Red Cross said the partnership with Qantas would allow for volunteers to be trained in both psychological first aid and medical first aid.
“This support from Qantas will help ensure that our volunteers are able to support communities right across Australia.” Harrison said.
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HISTORY OF QANTAS AND THE RED CROSS
In fact, Qantas has supported Australia’s Red Cross in its important humanitarian efforts for 75 years.
- In 1949 Qantas transported six tons of rice on Qantas DC-4 aircraft to the Philippines.
- In 1963 Qantas transported supplies to East Pakistan following a cyclone.
- In the 1950s Qantas supported Red Cross blood donations in 1950 by offering a flying boat flight to Fiji as a prize.
- Qantas also sponsored the 1958 Red Cross ‘Bride of the Year’ by offering a 1000-pound Super Constellation flight around the world for the bride that raised the most money for the Australian Red Cross.
- In 1974 Qantas and the Australian Red Cross worked side-by-side to support communities following Cyclone Tracy. This activation resulted in Qantas setting a world record for carrying the most passengers on board a Boeing 747 and the Red Cross mobilised 2,700 volunteers.
- In 2019-20 Qantas donated to Australia’s Red Cross bushfire relief fund as well as supporting their fundraising efforts through the extensive Qantas network.
- In 2022 Qantas worked with the Australian Red Cross to deliver Christmas presents on QantasLink aircraft to the Northern Rivers following floods and in 2023, did the same to the Western Downs region of Queensland following the bushfires.
THE RED CROSS
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is a humanitarian movement with approximately 16 million volunteers, members, and staff worldwide.
It was founded to protect human life and health, to ensure respect for all human beings, and to prevent and alleviate human suffering.
