Regional Express, Australia's largest independent regional airline, has joined in the worldwide effort to aid victims of the Tsunami disaster.
Rex’s Managing Director Geoff Breust has today endorsed a fund-raising initiative which started as a private project by concerned staff last week.
“What began as small fund-raising project has snowballed into a company-wide effort. Since then, contributions have been pouring in through personal donations and voluntary pay deductions. On top of that, our Board has kindly pledged two dollars for every dollar raised by staff. To date, we have raised in excess of $25,000 for the relief effort to support the Australian Red Cross Asian quake and tsunamis appeal,” Mr. Breust remarked.
Moved by the magnitude of the disaster, Rex is now stepping up its efforts at every check-in counter across the Rex Network and even on-board flights.
“We are appealing for customers to dig deep by contributing to donation boxes at our counters and collection envelopes on flights. We thank you in advance for your continued support of Rex and generosity towards the aid effort.”
These measures will commence next week as soon as Rex receives the applicable fund raising material from the aid agencies.
Rex has also offered up to 100 free tickets on its services to community-based organisations right around its network to assist in their efforts to raise funds for the Tsunami victims and relief work.
“We are aware many local communities are working hard to raise additional funds and we felt this was another way we could assist in maximising the amounts to help overcome this terrible disaster,” Mr Breust said.
Community organisations can use the flights for raffles or other similar purposes. Those wishing to take advantage of Rex’s flight offers can download a sponsorship request form here.
Mr Breust also said that Rex had offered to fly one of its Saab aircraft with a full complement of operational and technical crew to any of the affected countries to be at the disposal of relevant Governments and aid NGOs for relief work. All costs of the operation would be met by Rex and the aircraft would be available for the next few weeks.
"The tragedy and devastation in Southeast Asia is unparalleled. Our hearts reach out for the anguish and despair that has stricken many around the world, including families in Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends" Mr. Breust concluded.
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