Etihad Airways employees collect donations for Nepal

(MENAFN- Arab News) Etihad Airways' employees have raised almost AED270000 (Rs. 7.5 million Nepalese) through a company-wide campaign to help earthquake survivors rebuild their lives and communities in Nepal.
The airline's employees volunteered and ran a "bake and aid" sale organized a sport tournament a raffle competition and other events across the organization to raise awareness funds and support since the tragedy occurred in May 2015.
A donation scheme was also set-up with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to collect financial contributions from employees for the Prime Minister's Relief Fund under the leadership of Nepalese Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.
Ray Gammell Etihad Airways' chief people and performance officer said: 'Volunteering and giving back to our community as well as to the communities in which we operate is part of Etihad Airways' culture. We are proud that year after year our people have generously provided their time and resources and donated financially to such important causes.'
The disaster response initiative also included the provision of food water clothing tents medical kits and other items delivered through the UAE Red Crescent to Kathmandu and surrounding areas.
The airline flew over 52 emergency relief workers and items from the United States Europe and Australia to Kathmandu through Airlink a global agency which coordinates airline partners to provide support in emergency situations and provided over 5000 blankets.
To date 10000 kg of excess baggage for relief items has been provided on special request free-of-charge to passengers who are travelling to Nepal.
Etihad Guest Etihad Airways' award-winning loyalty program also established a dedicated page on the donations section of its Etihad Guest Reward Shop website and invited its members around the world to support the cause by contributing their miles. As a result over 30 million miles were donated by Etihad Guest members.