Bangkok--9 Dec--On 3 Communication
The Qantas Group recently launched the FlyPink 2019 campaign, with the inaugural flight on QantasLink's QF2164 from Sydney to Port Macquarie. All of the operating crew on the launch flight, including the pilots and flight attendants, were cancer survivors.
The FlyPink campaign aims at improving treatment and outcomes for people diagnosed with breast and prostate cancers.
The month-long fundraising and awareness campaign is in partnership with Movember and the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF).
This year's theme, 'Everyone knows someone', recognizes that everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by cancer in one way or another.
Mr John Gissing, QantasLink CEO, said, "We have all been touched by cancer in some way. At QantasLink we know just know how important our role is in connecting families and communities and giving people in regional locations access to health services. FlyPink is a great opportunity to stop and look at the people sitting amongst us – many who have experienced their own journey, both publicly and privately, with cancer."
The goal for this year is to raise $100,000 with equal funds going to Movember and the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Funds are raised through the sale of 'FlyPink' pins and pink epaulettes donned by hundreds of pilots across the Qantas Group and airlines worldwide.
This year's pin design includes the NBCF pink ribbon combined with the iconic Movember moustache after FlyPink 'grew a mo' last year to extend its fundraising reach.
QantasLink Captain, Susan McHaffie started FlyPink in 2015 with the aim to raise $20,000 for breast cancer research. Since then, FlyPink has raised an astounding $500,000 for the NBCF, Movember and affiliated overseas charities.
Throughout the month pins are sold to members of the public and Qantas staff, with pilots encouraged to donate before switching their white epaulettes to pink ones for the month.
"Everyone knows someone – for me growing up that was my aunt, who was diagnosed and beat breast cancer. In 2016 my niece ran the Run to Fight Breast Cancer wearing her number with 'I'm running for Auntie Sue' after I too was diagnosed," said QantasLink Captain Susan McHaffie, FlyPink founder & breast cancer survivor herself.
"As we launch FlyPink for the 5th year, we have spent a lot of time reflecting on who within our own communities and networks have been affected. We recognise and support the people who support us through it – for me this was my family, friends and co-workers at QantasLink. We're flying pink for them" added Captain Susan McHaffie.
Prof Sarah Hosking National Breast Cancer Foundation CEO said, "Research is the key to stopping deaths from breast and prostate cancers. The much-needed funds raised from the FlyPink campaign will go to the very best Australian cancer researchers who are developing better methods to identify, treat and prevent these cancers."
Ms Rachel Carr, Movember country director, said, "We are delighted that for the second year in a row, the moustache and the pink ribbon are taking to the skies to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer and prostate cancer. We would like to thank Captain Susan McHaffie's vision. This collaboration will continue to help transform the lives of men and women around the world diagnosed with prostate and breast cancer. Last year's hugely successful campaign raised $92,000, which shows what can be achieved when we work together.
During the QF2164 flight, onboard passengers were treated to a pink 'watermelon juice' and pink snack and a performance from 2019 'Voice' contestant Natasha Stuart.
Each year, epaulettes are sent to pilots around the world, including pilots in 35 countries flying for over 160 different airlines.
Throughout the month, pins are sold to the public and Qantas staff, with pilots encouraged to donate before switching their white epaulettes to pink ones.