Etihad employees raise funds for Nepal quake relief

A company-wide campaign by Etihad Airways to raise money for earthquake survivors in Nepal has collected Dh270,000.

The airline’s employees volunteered and conducted fundraisers. A donation scheme was also set-up with the National Bank of Abu Dhabi to collect contributions from employees for the Relief Fund of the Prime Minister of Nepal. The funds collected equal 7.5 million Nepalese rupees.

“Volunteering and giving back to our community, as well as to the communities in which we operate is part of Etihad Airways’ culture,” said Ray Gammell, chief people and performance officer. “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 provided food, water, clothing, tents, medical kits and other items, delivered through the UAE Red Crescent to Kathmandu and surrounding areas.

The airline flew more than 50 emergency relief workers from the United States, Europe and Australia to Kathmandu through Airlink, a global agency which coordinates airline partners to provide support in emergency situations. To date, 10,000 kilograms of excess baggage for relief items has been provided at no charge to passengers travelling to Nepal.

Etihad Airways is partnering with organisations in Nepal to support displaced communities with essential items, ranging from tents to permanent housing.