Qantas and Virgin Australia don’t see eye-to-eye on everything, but the competing airlines are each throwing their weight behind relief efforts as Australia’s rural communities struggle to cope with the worst drought conditions parts of Australia have seen in decades.
Virgin Australia is partnering with the Australian Red Cross to help farmers and communities affected by severe drought to get back on their feet.
Qantas, together with its customers, has pledged AUD 3 million to help provide relief to Australia’s drought-affected farming communities.
THE VIRGIN EFFORT
From this week on, passengers travelling with Virgin Australia will be able to donate to the Australian Red Cross “Help Aussie Farmers” appeal aboard the airline’s domestic flights and in its lounges. Virgin Australia will also be collecting donations from its 10,000 staff members.
Virgin Australia group chief executive John Borghetti said the appeal was a great way to support farming families dealing with the impact of this severe drought.
“Funds raised through the appeal will be distributed to drought-affected communities across Australia through partners working in these communities,” he said.
“Virgin Australia flies to many destinations which are impacted by the drought, and as a proud Australian airline we want to harness the community spirit which brings us together in tough times.
“We know our team and many of our passengers feel very strongly about helping in times of need, and the funds collected on our flights and in our lounges and offices, will be donated to the appeal to support farming communities.”
Australian Red Cross chief executive Judy Slatyer said it was “wonderful to see so many Australians and businesses such as Virgin Australia dig in and help farmers and their families impacted by severe drought.
“We know this is a very difficult time for drought-impacted farmers, their families and regional communities across the country. Every day, we see first-hand how hard it is for people with ongoing financial and social responsibilities.
“Farmers and their families are resilient people though they have a hard road ahead coping with one of the worst droughts in the last century. We can all pitch in, even if it’s just a few dollars.”
THE QANTAS EFFORT
Qantas has partnered with charity Rural Aid to help fund hay bales, water trucking, groceries and mental health counsellors for farming communities.
The program includes an immediate AUD 1 million cash donation by Qantas to Rural Aid, followed by a number of Qantas and Jetstar appeal initiatives to raise another AUD 1 million with the help of customers.
Qantas will then match these fundraising efforts, with the aim of providing the charity with a total donation of AUD 3 million by the end of 2018.
Qantas domestic cabin crew member Zanthe Atkinson and husband John on their farm near Tamworth. Photo credit: Brent Winstone
Among the Qantas fundraising initiatives:
- Two special fundraising charter flights from Sydney to Longreach and Tamworth in October. These will be operated by volunteer Qantas crew with revenue given directly to Rural Aid’s initiatives. Tickets to Longreach will be on sale from today via Qantas.com.
- Qantas Frequent Flyers can use their Qantas Points to support farmers, with Rural Aid being added to the list of charity redemption partners on the Rewards Store.
- Qantas will support its employees to join Rural Aid’s Farm Rescue program and volunteer their time repairing farming equipment, fixing homes and building fences on rural properties around Australia.
- Rural Aid collection barrels will be placed in Qantas lounges and at Qantas and Jetstar gates for customers to donate, with on-board announcements to raise awareness. The airline will also host monthly “Chops for Change” pop-ups at various lounges around the country where guests will be offered gourmet lamb chops in exchange for a small donation.
- A formal partnership with Rural Aid to provide flights for representatives to travel to regional communities.
“Qantas started in the outback,” the airline’s group chief executive, Alan Joyce, declared.
“Many of our staff live there and we have a lot of farming families who supply everything from beef to broccoli that we serve customers. We feel we have a duty to help these communities who are doing it so tough.”
Edited by Peter Needham
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