FedEx has a Heart

China - FedEx Express has partnered global humanitarian organisation Heart to Heart International to deliver relief supplies to quake-hit Sichuan province.

This aid is the first major shipment of private aid from the US to the earthquake zone, carrying US$1.5 million worth of essential items such as pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, blankets and tarps.

Regional president of FedEx Express Asia Pacific David L. Cunningham, Jr. said: "We've all seen the images from the devastated areas of Sichuan province and have been moved by the plight of many of the survivors. FedEx is proud to be able to do its part to alleviate some of the suffering by using its network and resources to help in the international relief effort."

The CEO of Heart to Heart Jon D. North said: "Today's airlift is going to make a significant impact on our efforts to reduce suffering and we're privileged to be working on this initiative with our partners at FedEx, who helped us start our humanitarian operations in China with a medical airlift to Chengdu in 1997."

A total of 44 FedEx employees have been involved in the coordination of the flight, which will take 22 hours from start to finish including ground time.

The 8.0 magnitude earthquake hit Sichuan Province on May 12, while FedEx's shipment departed the Kansas City International Airport on May 23.