8 December 2005

Afghans to don Interislander uniforms this winter

Old Interislander uniforms will provide much needed warmth to people in war-torn Afghanistan as the Northern Hemisphere winter makes itself felt.

Twenty-four boxes of old Interislander uniforms, including trousers, hats, overalls, raincoats and woollen jerseys are being flown from Auckland on Saturday by the NZ Defence Force. They will be distributed to people throughout the province of Barmyan by the local Police Force.

Martin Weekes, General Manager of Passenger Services and Hospitality for Interislander said the old uniforms had been in storage since Interislander rebranded in May.

"We're pleased the uniforms are going to be put to good use and encourage other businesses to make tangible contributions to the aid effort in this part of the world. For a little bit of effort we will hopefully make some difference to these people's lives this winter," Mr Weekes said.

"The New Zealand Defence Force has helped facilitate the project and we look forward to being involved in similar donation schemes in the future," he said.

The aid effort is the latest of several donation schemes that the Interislander has been involved in during the past year.

Old summer uniforms including shirts, drill shorts, and hats, as well as sunglasses, were donated to the Solomon Islands in March. Staff and families of Interislander also ran a collection of clothes and household items for Tsunami victims over the 2004/05 Christmas and New Year period.

ENDS

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