March 22, 2019
British Airways will, from next week, give all money collected through its Flying Start charity collections to support those affected by the devastating Cyclone in Mozambique. Until April 7, 2019, all onboard envelope collections will go the Disasters Emergency Committee’s (DEC) relief efforts in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
Since it made landfall on 15 March, Cyclone Idai has affected 2.6 million people and left hundreds of thousands without shelter. The UN predicts that this may become one of the worst weather-related disasters on record in the southern hemisphere.
Holly Gray, British Airways’ Community Investment Manager said:
“We are extremely proud of our partnership with the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and our ability, using the breadth of our network and the generosity and reach of our customers, to support them in delivering a rapid response in times of crisis. The funds that we raise will help to bring urgent and lifesaving aid to those affected through the delivery of emergency shelter kits, essential foods items, water purification tablets and urgent health assistance. We know that together we can make a massive difference for communities who have been devastated by Cyclone Idai.”
The DEC’s immediate and primary focus is on saving lives, but the effect of the disaster will be felt for many months to come. Across the three countries, shelter, water and sanitation, food, health assistance and protection are urgently needed, and support will be required to help children continue in their education, rebuild livelihoods and strengthen community resilience to withstand future disasters. The organisation says that just £30 could provide blankets to keep two families warm, £50 could provide a family with food for one month and £100 could help build toilet and washing facilities for families who have lost their homes.
