As part of its ongoing commitment to social responsibility, Qatar Airways continued its long-standing support of autism awareness at the inaugural Autism Awareness Fundraising Gala hosted by the Embassy of Qatar and Autism Speaks in Washington DC on November 8.
Established in 2005, Autism Speaks is an organisation dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.
“Qatar Airways is proud to lend its support to the inaugural Autism Awareness Gala Fundraiser and to join the Embassy of the State of Qatar in continuing efforts to expand autism awareness and create communities that are more inclusive – both on the ground and in the air,” said Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive, Qatar Airways.
“We are deeply committed to accommodating all of our passengers on every leg of their journey, which is why we actively educate our staff and crew on how to most effectively offer support to those with autism and their families,” he added. Held at the iconic John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, Qatar Airways joined Ambassador of Qatar to the United States, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani; President and Chief Executive Officer of Autism Speaks, Angela Geiger, and other distinguished guests, including honourees Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ), Michelle Carbonell and Dr Vikram Patel to honour the theme of this year’s gala: “Together for Autism: Ensuring Acceptance and Accessibility.”
Qatar Airways further extended its support of Autism Speaks by donating four Business Class tickets to any destination across its extensive route network of 150 global destinations. To keep the momentum of the gala event progressing, the tickets are to be auctioned with the proceeds, as well as the proceeds of the gala, to go directly to Autism Speaks to support its mission.
“The support of global organisations like Qatar Airways is invaluable to the autism community. It is through partnership and collaboration that we can enhance lives today and accelerate a spectrum of solutions for tomorrow. It is encouraging to see Qatar Airways continue to support the autism community, following in the footsteps of the State of Qatar, which has led the world in raising awareness of autism globally,”said Geiger.
