Thai Airways International Public Company Limited announced that it will conduct a humanitarian freighter flight, transporting rice that has been donated from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti, on 1 February 2010.
Mr. Piyasvasti Amranand, THAI President, said that THAI is supporting the transport of 100 tonnes of rice from the Government of Thailand to the Republic of Haiti. THAI’s humanitarian air shipment will be transported on THAI’s cargo freighter Boeing 747-300F aircraft, which the Company obtained for cargo freight transport, on the route Bangkok-Incheon Airport-Alaska-Miami-Dominican Republic.
THAI’s freighter will depart from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport on 1 February 2010, operating at approximately 36 hours flight time.
Once THAI’s humanitarian freighter flight lands at Santo Domingo Airport in the Dominican Republic, UN humanitarian assistance teams will dispatch donated goods to those in need of relief aid in Haiti. Haiti was struck by severe earthquake on 12 January 2010.
THAI’s humanitarian support is valued at the equivalent of USD 632,000 dollars.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Sunday, January 24, 2010
WHO spearheads health response to earthquake in Haiti
The severe earthquake that struck Haiti and the Dominican Republic has inflicted large-scale damage, including on hospitals and health facilities, and large numbers of casualties are feared.
Immediate health priorities include:
search and rescue of survivors trapped underneath rubble;
treatment of people with major trauma injuries;
preventing the infection of wounds;
provision of clean water and sanitation; and
ensuring breast-feeding is continued.
Control of communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, will be another major concern in coming days.
WHO is working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. More specifically, WHO is supporting the Haitian government to best coordinate international health assistance to the country. WHO is also collecting data on the health impact of the earthquake to disseminate to other humanitarian aid providers.
In addition, WHO is deploying a 12-member team of health and logistics experts. The WHO experts being sent include specialists in mass casualty management, coordination of emergency health response and the management of dead bodies.
UN buildings, including the WHO premises, have suffered damage in the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which struck on 12 January. The main force of the earthquake was felt 17 kilometres south-west of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti is a country that has already suffered from years of humanitarian crisis and natural disasters, including a series of hurricanes that battered the country in 2008.
Immediate health priorities include:
search and rescue of survivors trapped underneath rubble;
treatment of people with major trauma injuries;
preventing the infection of wounds;
provision of clean water and sanitation; and
ensuring breast-feeding is continued.
Control of communicable diseases, such as diarrhoeal diseases and respiratory infections, will be another major concern in coming days.
WHO is working with local authorities, United Nations agencies and humanitarian partners to respond to the emergency. More specifically, WHO is supporting the Haitian government to best coordinate international health assistance to the country. WHO is also collecting data on the health impact of the earthquake to disseminate to other humanitarian aid providers.
In addition, WHO is deploying a 12-member team of health and logistics experts. The WHO experts being sent include specialists in mass casualty management, coordination of emergency health response and the management of dead bodies.
UN buildings, including the WHO premises, have suffered damage in the magnitude 7.0 earthquake, which struck on 12 January. The main force of the earthquake was felt 17 kilometres south-west of the Haitian capital, Port-au-Prince.
Haiti is a country that has already suffered from years of humanitarian crisis and natural disasters, including a series of hurricanes that battered the country in 2008.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Best Western Rewards SM Members to Donate Points for Haiti Relief
Members of Global Frequency Program Can Make a Difference through World Vision,
Best Western Hotelier and Employee Efforts Underway
Best Western International today announced that Best Western Rewards members can now contribute rewards points to the massive relief effort currently underway in the devastated nation of Haiti. Frequency program members can go to www.bestwestern.com/haitirelief to make a donation of 5,000 points, which translates to $20, or more to World Vision, Best Western’s official charity partner. Similar efforts are underway in Best Western regions globally.
Best Western hoteliers will also be able to donate via their monthly member statements to relief efforts being implemented by World Vision, and employees of Best Western International will be able to donate cash and vacation time.
In addition, on behalf of the Best Western membership, Best Western’s North American Development team made a substantial donation yesterday through World Vision, in support of the Best Western hotelier that was about to break ground in Port-au-Prince.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, to our associates there and to their loved ones” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western, and current Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. “We are rallying at the hotel, employee, and guest levels to contribute to this critical humanitarian mission.”
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing and Harley-Davidson help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewardsฎ, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com
Best Western Hotelier and Employee Efforts Underway
Best Western International today announced that Best Western Rewards members can now contribute rewards points to the massive relief effort currently underway in the devastated nation of Haiti. Frequency program members can go to www.bestwestern.com/haitirelief to make a donation of 5,000 points, which translates to $20, or more to World Vision, Best Western’s official charity partner. Similar efforts are underway in Best Western regions globally.
Best Western hoteliers will also be able to donate via their monthly member statements to relief efforts being implemented by World Vision, and employees of Best Western International will be able to donate cash and vacation time.
In addition, on behalf of the Best Western membership, Best Western’s North American Development team made a substantial donation yesterday through World Vision, in support of the Best Western hotelier that was about to break ground in Port-au-Prince.
“Our hearts go out to the people of Haiti, to our associates there and to their loved ones” said David Kong, President and CEO of Best Western, and current Chairman of the American Hotel and Lodging Association. “We are rallying at the hotel, employee, and guest levels to contribute to this critical humanitarian mission.”
ABOUT BEST WESTERN INTERNATIONAL
Best Western International is THE WORLD'S LARGEST HOTEL CHAIN, providing marketing, reservations and operational support to over 4,000* independently owned and operated member hotels in 80* countries and territories worldwide. An industry pioneer since 1946, Best Western has grown into an iconic brand that hosts 400,000* worldwide guests each night. Equally committed to the business and leisure traveler, Best Western recently embarked on a mission to lead the hotel industry in customer care. World Vision is the charity of choice for Best Western in building the world's largest family, with our hotels and staff sponsoring children in need around the globe. Our partnerships with AAA/CAA, Michael Waltrip Racing and Harley-Davidson help guests make the most of every trip. For the fastest way to a free night, join Best Western Rewardsฎ, the only hotel frequency program that's truly global. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit www.bestwestern.com
Sunday, January 17, 2010
How The Earth Was Made: Tsunami
Tsunamis are one of the most terrifying forces of nature, destroying all in their path. The December 26th Tsunami is estimated to have released the energy of 23,000 Hiroshima-type atomic bombs. What are the enormous forces that generate these catastrophic waves deep on the ocean floor? Unearthing compelling evidence that the West Coast of America was once struck by a tsunami every bit as big as the one that devastated the Indian Ocean - and its due to strike again, soon. Whilst East coast cities from New York to Miami face the threat of a truly colossal wave that could be generated by the collapse of an active volcano off the coast of Africa.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Underwater Universe Channel: HISTORY on TrueVisions A23 and D48
UNDERWATER UNIVERSE tracks the history and evolution of the Ocean's seven deadliest zones...locations that throughout history have been the direct cause of human devastation by floods, tsunamis, hurricanes, whirlpools, ice, underwater volcanoes, and shipping graveyards. Leading oceanographers, expedition footage from partnering organizations like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and 3-D animation depict the awesome cosmic and geological fluctuations that make the Oceans deadly over time.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Humanitarian aid flown in to “Action Against Hunger”, Dubai
Vital equipment to support NGO’s worldwide programmes
Cargo to arrive in A380 on the way to the Dubai airshow
An Airbus A380 arriving for the Dubai Airshow will carry with it eight tonnes of humanitarian aid. The delivery, facilitated by the Airbus Corporate Foundation, a non-commercial arm of the leading aircraft manufacturer, and its partners, will boost crucial stocks at Action Against Hunger’s hub in the emirate – strategically located to serve a global effort.
Founded in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger is recognised as one of the most important humanitarian organisations combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide. It is an issue that affects approximately one billion people across the globe, with most lacking access to clean water leading to disease and malnutrition, and remains the largest single contributor to child mortality. Today’s delivery of water purification equipment, more than 50 cubic metres, the equivalent of two 20’ standard sea freight containers, to the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) Dubai base is central to its efforts.
Tom Enders, Head of the Airbus Corporate Foundation and President and CEO of Airbus, said: “Thanks to all our partners, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has been able to support Action Against Hunger by transporting vital emergency sanitation equipment to one of the key storage hubs. This is a great example of how aviation, being a key enabler of global economic and social development and an essential resource for humanitarian efforts, can help in a very tangible way. We hope this to be the start of a long-term partnership between both our organisations.”
Action Against Hunger is increasing stocks at its Dubai base to capitalise on the emirate’s strategic location from which to serve a coordinated global effort in response to emergency situations elsewhere in the world. The non-profit, non-religious organisation has established an international network to deliver life-saving programmes in some 45 countries, specialising in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster and chronic food insecurity. A primary concern of these projects is to facilitate the provision of – and access to – safe water through programmes that currently reach four million people each year.
Erland Egiziano, Logistics Director Action Against Hunger, said: “More than one billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. These issues are the root cause of many infections that lead to sickness and ultimately malnutrition and are responsible for 2.2 million preventable deaths each year – mostly among children. In our efforts to eliminate hunger, clean water is as essential as food. The equipment being delivered today by the Airbus Corporate Foundation is vital in restoring dignity, self-sufficiency and independence for vulnerable communities and saving the lives of children and their families throughout the world.”
The Airbus Corporate Foundation was established in December 2008 to support humanitarian causes through good will flights, youth development in the communities in which it operates, and environmental issues in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Notes to editors
About the Airbus Corporate Foundation
Airbus has established the Airbus Corporate Foundation aimed at facilitating charitable activities worldwide under one roof within an international network of employees, associations and international organizations. The Airbus Corporate Foundation started its operation on 1st December, 2008 with Airbus president and CEO Tom Enders being appointed President of its Board of Directors.
Social responsibility coupled with a greater responsibility to take care of the environment has been at the heart of the Airbus business activities for a long time. Starting off with a budget of 2,5 million euros, the ACF focuses its support on the three themes of humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment.
More information on the Airbus Corporate Foundation can be found at www.airbus.com
About Action Against Hunger
More information on Action against Hunger can be found at www.actioncontrelafaim.org/english/
Cargo to arrive in A380 on the way to the Dubai airshow
An Airbus A380 arriving for the Dubai Airshow will carry with it eight tonnes of humanitarian aid. The delivery, facilitated by the Airbus Corporate Foundation, a non-commercial arm of the leading aircraft manufacturer, and its partners, will boost crucial stocks at Action Against Hunger’s hub in the emirate – strategically located to serve a global effort.
Founded in France in 1979, Action Against Hunger is recognised as one of the most important humanitarian organisations combating hunger and malnutrition worldwide. It is an issue that affects approximately one billion people across the globe, with most lacking access to clean water leading to disease and malnutrition, and remains the largest single contributor to child mortality. Today’s delivery of water purification equipment, more than 50 cubic metres, the equivalent of two 20’ standard sea freight containers, to the non-governmental organisation’s (NGO) Dubai base is central to its efforts.
Tom Enders, Head of the Airbus Corporate Foundation and President and CEO of Airbus, said: “Thanks to all our partners, the Airbus Corporate Foundation has been able to support Action Against Hunger by transporting vital emergency sanitation equipment to one of the key storage hubs. This is a great example of how aviation, being a key enabler of global economic and social development and an essential resource for humanitarian efforts, can help in a very tangible way. We hope this to be the start of a long-term partnership between both our organisations.”
Action Against Hunger is increasing stocks at its Dubai base to capitalise on the emirate’s strategic location from which to serve a coordinated global effort in response to emergency situations elsewhere in the world. The non-profit, non-religious organisation has established an international network to deliver life-saving programmes in some 45 countries, specialising in emergency situations of conflict, natural disaster and chronic food insecurity. A primary concern of these projects is to facilitate the provision of – and access to – safe water through programmes that currently reach four million people each year.
Erland Egiziano, Logistics Director Action Against Hunger, said: “More than one billion people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water and 2.6 billion lack basic sanitation. These issues are the root cause of many infections that lead to sickness and ultimately malnutrition and are responsible for 2.2 million preventable deaths each year – mostly among children. In our efforts to eliminate hunger, clean water is as essential as food. The equipment being delivered today by the Airbus Corporate Foundation is vital in restoring dignity, self-sufficiency and independence for vulnerable communities and saving the lives of children and their families throughout the world.”
The Airbus Corporate Foundation was established in December 2008 to support humanitarian causes through good will flights, youth development in the communities in which it operates, and environmental issues in cooperation with the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
Notes to editors
About the Airbus Corporate Foundation
Airbus has established the Airbus Corporate Foundation aimed at facilitating charitable activities worldwide under one roof within an international network of employees, associations and international organizations. The Airbus Corporate Foundation started its operation on 1st December, 2008 with Airbus president and CEO Tom Enders being appointed President of its Board of Directors.
Social responsibility coupled with a greater responsibility to take care of the environment has been at the heart of the Airbus business activities for a long time. Starting off with a budget of 2,5 million euros, the ACF focuses its support on the three themes of humanitarian and community support, youth development and the environment.
More information on the Airbus Corporate Foundation can be found at www.airbus.com
About Action Against Hunger
More information on Action against Hunger can be found at www.actioncontrelafaim.org/english/
Manheim Asia Pacific Wins “Service Provider of the Year” at the Asia Insurance Industry Awards
Manheim Asia Pacific has been awarded “Service Provider of the Year” at the prestigious Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2009.
The award was accepted by Simon Moran, Vice President of Manheim Asia Pacific.
“The Asia Insurance Review is the regions preeminent publication and trusted journal of the Insurance community and we are honoured and delighted to win this prestigious award. It is an outstanding recognition for the company which commenced operations in Thailand in 2001. Since then, we have worked hard to set new standards for service levels in the industry and the award is fantastic recognition of our success. I would like to thank all our staff for their professionalism and dedication to customer service excellence that has made this achievement possible”.
Manheim Asia Pacific was selected from a number of high profile companies competing for the honour of receiving the award. Introducing a new standard for auto insurers’ resale of salvage units in Thailand, the firm has successfully reduced losses for insurers and was recognised for making an outstanding contribution for insurers across Thailand.
Manheim has responded to the needs of the market it serves by providing a dedicated salvage auction for the resale of accident- damaged vehicles. Finely-tuned marketing and a thorough understanding of parts, wrecking and repair markets have led to a significant reduction in losses for the insurer, the judging panel noted.
Around 70% of insurers in Thailand now use Manheim Thailand for their resale of salvage units. Direct sales of salvage units to a limited number of buyers via methods such as tender, lucky draw, and private and contractual agreements are in the process of being dismantled.
By introducing these services, Manheim has reset the industry pricing structure for the resale of salvage in Thailand. Many buyers were excluded from previous sales methods due to the size and dominating nature of some wholesalers and parts wreckers. Insurers in Thailand were paying 30% pre-accident value for any vehicle deemed written off. With its implementation of remarketing systems, Manheim has delivered an average of 43% in 2008, and 42% year-to-date 2009. The initiative accounts for almost 100% growth in returns for insurers for the sale of accident-damaged vehicles.
Under the scheme, auction efficiency is upwards of 80% sold per event, with large crowds of buyers in attendance both at the auctions or online. Manheim offers flexibility for sellers through the availability of online sales channels for vehicles in remote locations where transportation costs may outweigh asset value.
Funds are collected by Manheim in three business days and paid to insurers in four working days. Coupled with savings from land and storage costs and decreased theft of parts due to differing standards of security, Manheim has made an outstanding contribution for all insurers in the country.
Photo show: Simon Moran, Vice President of Manheim Asia Pacific (left) accepting the highly regarded Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2009 as Service Provider of the Year from Simon Machell, Chief Executive, Aviva Asia
About Manheim Asia Pacific
Manheim Asia Pacific is part of the Manheim group of companies and benefits from belonging to an organisation with over 60 years of remarketing experience. Manheim Asia Pacific can support customers in Thailand with all their used vehicle remarketing needs and can offer tailor made remarketing and logistical solutions.
Manheim Asia Pacific offers a breadth of services, including transportation co-ordination, secure storage with 24/7 security, valuation prior to sale, national remarketing, voice auction and online sales, collection of proceeds, reconciliation of tax commitments to local authorities, remittance of funds for auto salvage in Thailand, results analysis and consulting, and disaster recovery services.
Globally Manheim has 135 operating locations in 19 countries and in 2009 will handle some twelve million vehicles facilitating transactions worth an estimated 60 billion dollars.
www.manheimthailand.com
The award was accepted by Simon Moran, Vice President of Manheim Asia Pacific.
“The Asia Insurance Review is the regions preeminent publication and trusted journal of the Insurance community and we are honoured and delighted to win this prestigious award. It is an outstanding recognition for the company which commenced operations in Thailand in 2001. Since then, we have worked hard to set new standards for service levels in the industry and the award is fantastic recognition of our success. I would like to thank all our staff for their professionalism and dedication to customer service excellence that has made this achievement possible”.
Manheim Asia Pacific was selected from a number of high profile companies competing for the honour of receiving the award. Introducing a new standard for auto insurers’ resale of salvage units in Thailand, the firm has successfully reduced losses for insurers and was recognised for making an outstanding contribution for insurers across Thailand.
Manheim has responded to the needs of the market it serves by providing a dedicated salvage auction for the resale of accident- damaged vehicles. Finely-tuned marketing and a thorough understanding of parts, wrecking and repair markets have led to a significant reduction in losses for the insurer, the judging panel noted.
Around 70% of insurers in Thailand now use Manheim Thailand for their resale of salvage units. Direct sales of salvage units to a limited number of buyers via methods such as tender, lucky draw, and private and contractual agreements are in the process of being dismantled.
By introducing these services, Manheim has reset the industry pricing structure for the resale of salvage in Thailand. Many buyers were excluded from previous sales methods due to the size and dominating nature of some wholesalers and parts wreckers. Insurers in Thailand were paying 30% pre-accident value for any vehicle deemed written off. With its implementation of remarketing systems, Manheim has delivered an average of 43% in 2008, and 42% year-to-date 2009. The initiative accounts for almost 100% growth in returns for insurers for the sale of accident-damaged vehicles.
Under the scheme, auction efficiency is upwards of 80% sold per event, with large crowds of buyers in attendance both at the auctions or online. Manheim offers flexibility for sellers through the availability of online sales channels for vehicles in remote locations where transportation costs may outweigh asset value.
Funds are collected by Manheim in three business days and paid to insurers in four working days. Coupled with savings from land and storage costs and decreased theft of parts due to differing standards of security, Manheim has made an outstanding contribution for all insurers in the country.
Photo show: Simon Moran, Vice President of Manheim Asia Pacific (left) accepting the highly regarded Asia Insurance Industry Awards 2009 as Service Provider of the Year from Simon Machell, Chief Executive, Aviva Asia
About Manheim Asia Pacific
Manheim Asia Pacific is part of the Manheim group of companies and benefits from belonging to an organisation with over 60 years of remarketing experience. Manheim Asia Pacific can support customers in Thailand with all their used vehicle remarketing needs and can offer tailor made remarketing and logistical solutions.
Manheim Asia Pacific offers a breadth of services, including transportation co-ordination, secure storage with 24/7 security, valuation prior to sale, national remarketing, voice auction and online sales, collection of proceeds, reconciliation of tax commitments to local authorities, remittance of funds for auto salvage in Thailand, results analysis and consulting, and disaster recovery services.
Globally Manheim has 135 operating locations in 19 countries and in 2009 will handle some twelve million vehicles facilitating transactions worth an estimated 60 billion dollars.
www.manheimthailand.com
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