Aramex is to partner with the Qatar Red Crescent (QRCS), a member of the International Red Crossand Crescent Movement, to improve the speed of disaster response.
The partnership, signed between QRCS Executive Director, Saleh Al Mohannadi, and Aramex’scountry manager for Qatar, Fadi Rayes, encourages skill-sharing, coordination and support betweenthe two organisations and aims to strengthen QRCS’ international disaster response efforts byimproving its logistics capacity.
Throughout the duration of the year-long partnership, Aramex will offer training and advisoryservices to QRCS’ Logistics Department and support the effective transportation, storage anddistribution of relief items to QRCS field operations in the Middle East and North Africa whendisaster strikes.
For its part, QRCS will provide Aramex staff with First Aid and Disaster Management Training, aswell as facilitate its participation in the International Red Cross and Red Crescent MovementLogistics Training Courses.
Emphasising the importance of this partnership, Saleh Al Mohannadi commented: “Logistics is oneof the main pillars of disaster relief. Mobilising our resources quickly and efficiently is one ofQRCS’ top priorities. The faster we can get supplies and personnel on the ground, the faster we canhelp those in need.”
The collaboration with Aramex is an integral part of QRCS’ Corporate Social ResponsibilityStrategy, which focuses not only on fundraising, but also on mutual skill-sharing with Qatar’sgrowing private sector.
Speaking about the importance of Aramex’s corporate outreach efforts, Fadi Rayes stated that “this strategic alliance between QRCS and Aramex is in recognition of our shared common goals, andstems from our mutual conviction that we can accomplish a lot more through sustainedengagement.”
He added: “Over the years, Aramex has built strong and successful relationships with many globaland regional relief agencies and NGO’s, and our alliance with QRCS will expand our ability toutilise our existing resources to facilitate the transportation of aid and donations to disasterand war-stricken areas.”
As a member of the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, QRCS staffand volunteers are expected to be one of the first disaster relief organisations on the groundafter disaster strikes. It currently works in 26 countries worldwide and has a permanent office in10 disaster-affected countries. By launching this strategic collaboration with Aramex, QRCS hopesto continue its ability to respond rapidly to natural and man-made disasters that affect theregion.
Given its expertise as a global logistics and transportation solutions provider, and theimportance it places on corporate activism, Aramex has utilised its logistical expertise andtransportation network to facilitate the movement of aid and donations to disaster and war-strickenareas. Aramex’s global logistics network has been extensively involved in providing relief aid tomany disaster-afflicted areas around the world over the years, including Lebanon, Egypt, Pakistan,and its “Deliver Hope to Gaza” relief campaign in 2008 and 2009.
