A number of leading Australian companies, including Jetstar, have joined with World Vision to raise funds to help the thousands of people hit by the Nepal earthquakes.
The earthquake that struck on April 25 has killed more than 7,000 people, injured 14,000 and left scores homeless throughout the country.
Jetstar is donating $1 from every ticket sold through its website on Thursday, with proceeds going towards the World Vision Australia Nepal earthquake appeal.
“In the wake of the devastating earthquake in Nepal, we’re working with our team members and customers to support the community by partnering with our StarKids partner World Vision to contribute to the relief effort,” Jetstar Australia and New Zealand chief executive David Hall said in a statement on Thursday.
“I know there are many worthy causes to support, but in this time of need I’d call on other businesses to do what they can to help the people of Nepal.”
The Qantas-owned low-cost carrier said the 24-hour donation drive was likely to raise $30,000.
Jetstar, Groupon, Football Federation Australia, St George Bank and CUA were among the companies also behind World Vision’s fundraising efforts.
While aid from the global community is getting gradually through to those in need, global efforts have been hampered by the lack of space at Kathmandu International Airport, which has been struggling to cope with the large numbers of heavy aircraft flying into the country.
The airport, which has a single runway, only has parking space for nine aircraft.
Tribhuvan International Airport manager Birendra Shrestha told The UK Independent newspaper: “The runway was built to handle only medium-sized jets and not the large military and cargo planes that have been arriving since the quake.”
The United Nations estimated $415 million of aid is required “in the coming months alone”, World Vision said.
