Following the devastating earthquake that rocked Turkey earlier this week, companies and businesses worldwide have joined in supporting victims and their families. A few hours ago, Boeing became the latest to join relief efforts. The American aircraft manufacturer announced it would donate half a million dollars through the American Red Cross.
Boeing Charitable Trust and Gift Match
Boeing has set up the Boeing Charitable Trust to help in catastrophic events like the one that occurred a few days ago. This week’s earthquake’s death toll has already risen to over 12,000. In addition to the trust, Boeing has a Gift Match program, which will match employee donations to various charities dollar for dollar as part of the earthquake relief.
“The devastation from this earthquake is immense and will require a global response. Our 156,000 teammates at Boeing stand with the people in Turkey and the region during this challenging time. We are proud to work with aid agencies to quickly bring help to those in need. Our deepest condolences go to the families who have lost loved ones, and we continue to keep the affected communities in our thoughts.” – Doctor Brendan Nelson, President, Boeing International
The support of the victims in Turkey further proves Boeing’s support to the communities in which its employees live and work. For more than 70 years, Boeing has been engaged in Turkey and has donated more than $6 million in charitable contributions over the last ten years.
“Thanks to Boeing’s generous support, the global Red Cross network is helping those affected by the Turkey earthquake. We are grateful for partners like Boeing as we work together to respond to those in need.”- Anne McKeough, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross
What airlines are doing
Yesterday, Turkish carrier Pegasus Airlines announced it was operating free relief flights to support the affected areas by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Between February 6 (the day of the earthquake) and 8, Pegasus operated 98 flights, 22 of which were for relief.
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The airline is delivering emergency aid equipment in coordination with the Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency (AFAD). Between today and February 12, passengers can book flights from certain airports free of charge. Additionally, Pegasus donated eight million liras to different organizations.
Turkish Airlines did not announce free flights but significantly lower fares for affected regions. The airline is charging 100 Turkish liras (just over $5) per flight and said that the minor charge to customers would help cover some of its operating costs. In recent days, Turkish operated 102 flights, for both aid and cargo, and evacuated thousands of people. Almost 20,000 people were evacuated on Tuesday, and the airline planned to evacuate another 30,000 today.