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Sydney, 26 October 2007 – Singapore Airlines today presented Médecins Sans Frontières, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, with proceeds from the A380 Charity Auction – a world first that raised US$1.26 million (approx AU$1.4 million) from the sale of seats on the flight. The presentation was held at Sydney Airport near the world's first fully double-decker superjumbo – the A380 – which arrived in Sydney yesterday on its First Commercial Flight from Singapore.
Singapore's Community Chest was presented with proceeds from the Auction at the A380's official Departure Function at Changi Airport yesterday.
Singapore Airlines Chairman, Mr Stephen Lee was joined by Singapore Airlines Chief Executive Officer, Mr Chew Choon Seng to present the cheques and to thank everyone who made the auction a success.
“Our first A380 customers were treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience on an aircraft that is set to redefine long-haul air travel. This latest addition to the Singapore Airlines fleet is cleaner, quieter and more spacious than any other jet aircraft,” said Mr Chew.
“It is a proud moment for us to celebrate the entry into service of this new passenger plane, while also helping those less fortunate in our communities. We are grateful that aviation enthusiasts from around the world joined in this historic flight and contributed to the causes we selected.
“We are elated to bring the A380 to Sydney and the people of Australia, and look forward to strengthening even further our 40-year relationship with the Australian community.”
Australians were amongst the largest contingent of bidders to support the cause – comprising 15 percent of successful bids. This contribution will now help worthwhile organisations continue their amazing work in communities around the world.
Dr. Nick Wood, President of Médecins Sans Frontières Australia, said "Our organisation sends as many as 3,000 volunteers around the world each year, to provide urgent medical care to people in need
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“The generosity of Singapore Airlines and the global community that responded so eagerly to the auction is sincerely appreciated, and the proceeds will make a considerable contribution to our operations in locations such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Laos, Malawi or the continuing human tragedy that is Darfur."
Dr. Tony Penna, Chief Executive, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead said the donation will go a long way to boosting research programs and support services for children and families throughout treatment and recovery.
"The Children's Hospital at Westmead is the largest children's hospital in New South Wales and provides a variety of unique and specialised services. For example, the Hospital is home to the state's only paediatric burns unit and the liver transplant unit, which saves the lives of desperately ill children.
"It is only through the exceptional generosity of donors such as Singapore Airlines that these services can exist. We were happy to be here today to receive these vital funds and thank Singapore Airlines for being a strong partner in saving young lives."
Elizabeth Crundall, Chief Executive, Sydney Children's Hospital Foundation, said the collaborative support for the auction has set a benchmark for Corporate Australia.
“Through the A380 First Flight Charity Auction, Singapore Airlines has set an extraordinary example of corporate philanthropy, bringing together multiple organisations to benefit those in need; including many seriously injured children through our Hospital's Trauma Services who will benefit tremendously from these funds. With trauma remaining the leading cause of death among children, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, one of Australia’s leading specialist medical centres, offers specialised care to critically injured children from all corners of New South Wales and beyond.
“With 100 percent of the sale of each ticket benefiting community groups such as ours, this is a precedent for corporate Australia to follow. Our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for reaching into your hearts and pockets to help make a difference to the thousands of critical ill and injured young patients cared for by Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick,” said Ms. Crundall.
The tremendous success of the Singapore Airlines A380 Charity Auction was made possible by the Airline's many partners, whose ongoing support strengthened the First Flight's charitable cause. The Australian Government, Sydney Airport, ExxonMobil, eBay, PayPal, Caterair and many other suppliers joined together to ensure every dollar from every bid went to those in need.
The proceeds of the auction were split evenly between the following organisations:
- One-third to Singapore’s Community Chest
- One-third split between The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, and the Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, both in Sydney
- One-third to Médecins Sans Frontières, also known as Doctors Without Borders.
The Singapore Airlines A380 will depart Sydney Airport for Singapore today at 4.00pm.
Above Media Release Care or Singapore AIrlines
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About ben.hoffman
Flying High Media’s principal author and director Ben Hoffman is a technology evangelist and two time recipient of the prestigious Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) Award in 2006 and 2007, for his contribution to the Microsoft Exchange Server Community. Ben’s other passions are business & recreational Travel, Vietnamese Cooking, learning the Vietnamese Language.
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