Bangkok--10 May--Hill & Knowlton
DHL Japan delivers international relief supplies from Narita to disaster areas
DHL, the world’s leading logistics company, has embarked on a relief initiative to support the Government of Japan by providing pro-bono domestic delivery of relief supplies in affected areas within Japan, following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Leveraging its logistics expertise, DHL has committed to inventory, as well as sorting and delivery of relief supplies at DHL’s warehouse at the Narita International Airport for a month, as of 20 April 2011. These are taken on a pro-bono basis.
Relief supplies from international governments have been arriving at the Narita International Airport, even after more than a month following the disaster. DHL has been storing the goods temporarily at its warehouse and coordinating delivery with the Japanese government to locations affected by the disaster.
DHL Japan President and Representative Director Taketo Yamakawa said, “As Japan comes together in various capacities to recover from the earthquake and tsunami, DHL is committed to deploying our expertise the best way we know how - by efficiently dealing with the logistics during relief efforts. We are honored to be able to contribute to the country’s reconstruction efforts and we will focus on ensuring the most effective delivery and productive use of relief supplies from overseas governments.”
Within days following the earthquake, DHL has activated various support activities under its GoHelp pillar of its corporate responsibility program. To date, DHL has donated 20 tons of drinking water, food and baby supplies via local governments to areas affected by the disaster. DHL has also delivered 30 tons of relief goods from the EU Commission to Sendai City and provided transportation for relief supplies collected through domestic NGOs and schools at no cost. In addition, employee donations collected globally have been matched with corporate donations from DHL’s headquarters in Bonn, and contributed to the Red Cross. To encourage further relief efforts, DHL has also introduced a special employee volunteer program which allows time-off for DHL employees who volunteer in disaster areas.
DHL Supply Chain President Shuichi Kawamura said, “I am proud of our employees who have worked diligently to restore the facilities and transport operations damaged by the earthquake. It is also very encouraging that many of them have expressed their intention to help in reconstruction efforts as a volunteer. We will continue to work with our employees closely to contribute in the most effective way possible to help Japan recover quickly from this disaster.”