Qantas has announced a new chapter in its support for the Australian Red Cross with a multi-million partnership to bolster its response to emergencies nationwide.  

The new three-year partnership will enable Australian Red Cross personnel to travel around Australia for humanitarian work reducing significant costs and facilitating a quicker response for communities in crisis. 

The partnership comes as the Red Cross celebrates 110 years of service in Australia, supporting in times of need and disaster.

Penny Harrison, the deputy CEO Australian Red Cross said the partnership with Qantas will allow for volunteers to be trained in both psychological first aid and medical first aid.  

“This support from Qantas will help ensure that our volunteers are able to support communities right across Australia,” she said. 

“It’s also incredible to have their support for our comforting and colourful Trauma Teddies® which help comfort so many during a crisis situation.

Qantas will also become a proud partner of Australian Red Cross’s Trauma Teddy®, an iconic support item that is given to children and vulnerable community members for comfort during emergencies such as bushfires and floods, with up to 50,000 given out every year.  

Qantas Domestic CEO Markus Svensson said this it’s a proud partnership for the national carrier.  

“For decades, Qantas and Australian Red Cross have worked together to support Australians in times of need,” he said. 

“Connecting communities is at the heart of both organisations, and this investment will make a tangible impact to Australians impacted by disasters with more trained volunteers that can be deployed on the ground, at speed through Qantas’ extensive network.”  

“From sending critical supplies overseas in the 1940s, to supporting the 2019 bushfire response, Qantas is proud to be a longstanding supporter of Australian Red Cross. 

“We look forward to continuing our work together to support Australian communities during the most challenging of times.”