Friday, August 23, 2024 Qantas has unveiled a significant new partnership with the Australian Red Cross, committing multi-million dollar support to enhance the organization’s emergency response efforts across the nation. This three-year collaboration will allow Australian Red Cross personnel to travel more efficiently across Australia for humanitarian missions, cutting costs and enabling quicker aid to communities in need. The announcement coincides with the Australian Red Cross celebrating its 110th year of providing unwavering support during times of disaster.
The funding from Qantas will ensure the continued delivery of vital services by supporting the recruitment and training of 750 new Australian Red Cross volunteers nationwide. Additionally, Qantas is now a proud partner of the Australian Red Cross’s Trauma Teddy® program, an iconic initiative that provides comfort to children and vulnerable individuals during emergencies like bushfires and floods, with approximately 50,000 teddies distributed annually. Markus Svensson , CEO 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. “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.
” “From sending critical supplies overseas in the 1940s, to supporting the 2019 bushfire response, Qantas is proud to be a longstanding supporter of Australian Red Cross. “We look forward to continuing our work together to support Australian communities during the most challenging of times.” Penny Harrison, Deputy CEO 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. “It’s also incredible to have their support for our comforting and colourful Trauma Teddies® which help comfort so many during a crisis situation,” she said. A Legacy of Partnership: Qantas and Australian Red Cross.
