DHL marshals disaster relief for distribution at Tokyo's Narita

DHL says it is providing pro-bono domestic delivery of relief supplies to areas in Japan affected by the devastating March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in support of the Japanese government.


The company said it has committed relief supplies to inventory at its warehouse at the Narita International Airport for one month, starting from April 20, where the aid will be accepted on a pro-bono basis.


It is also providing sorting and delivery of relief supplies that have been sent by international governments to the Narita International Airport in the wake of the twin natural disasters. The logistics provider said it has been storing the goods temporarily at its warehouse and coordinating delivery with the Japanese government to locations affected by the disaster.


The company's president and representative director for its Japan branch Taketo Yamakawa said in a company statement, "We are honoured 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."


To date, the company has donated 20 tons of drinking water, food and baby supplies via local governments to areas affected by the disaster. It 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 its headquarters in Bonn, and contributed to the Red Cross. To encourage further relief efforts, the logistics firm has also introduced a special employee volunteer programme, which allows time-off for employees who volunteer in disaster areas.


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."
(Source:http://www.schednet.com)