Boeing partnered with Emirates Airline and U.S.-based non-profit organization Another Joy Foundation to transport a consignment of critically-needed blankets and sleeping bags on board the airline's newly delivered Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range).
This is the sixth time since 2009 that Boeing and Emirates have collaborated to transport humanitarian aid to the underprivileged in Pakistan, Bangladesh and Somalia.
The shipment was picked up in Dubai by Iraqi Airways in coordination with the Iraqi Ministry of Transportation. The goods will then be distributed to underprivileged people in Iraq who are not equipped to face the bitterly cold weather conditions.
“There is a dire need for winter gear such as blankets and sleeping bags in Iraq especially for the hundreds of thousands who have been displaced this year in the country,” said Elizabeth Warman, Director of Boeing Global Corporate Citizenship for the Northwest region.
“Through these collaborative efforts with our customers and non-governmental agencies such as Another Joy Foundation, we hope to bring some measure of relief and hope to people in need around the world,” she added.
This is the third time this year that Boeing and Another Joy Foundation have carried supplies to Iraq. In March, a consignment comprising of boxes of toys were distributed to underprivileged children in Iraqi orphanages while quilts for the displaced were shipped in November.
“Our long standing relationship with Boeing has been further cemented by this wonderful initiative that helps enhance the lives of the less fortunate around the world. We are glad to work with Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flight program and Another Joy Foundation, to utilize the maiden flight of one of our new Boeing 777-300ERs in bringing critical humanitarian cargo to aid those in need,” said Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates.
Headquartered in Las Vegas, Another Joy Foundation's mission is to deliver joy and hope to less fortunate children around the world through donations of new and used toys, clothes, shoes and new school supplies.
Since Boeing's Humanitarian Delivery Flight program began in 1992, the company has facilitated more than 163 humanitarian delivery flights, working in partnership with over 50 different airlines worldwide.
